bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of screening programmes on the treatment of benign breast neoplasms: observations from current practice in Italy
Authors: Rossi Paolo Giorgi , Federici Antonio , Farchi Sara , Chini Francesco , Barca Alessandra , Guasticchi Gabriella , Borgia Piero 
Published: September 2006

Purpose: In the Lazio region, Italy, mammographic screening programmes were gradually activated from 1999 to 2003, providing an opportunity to compare two unselected populations in the same time period: women who were contacted in writing, and those who had not been contacted. In this study, we compare the incidences of treatments for benign and malignant neoplasms in the two groups. Methods: The target population was women aged 50–69 years. We linked all incident cases of surgery for benign and malignant breast neoplasms, from the Hospital Information System (1999–2003) to the Mammographic Screening Information System (1999–2001). We calculated incidence, adjusted for age and standardized breast cancer mortality ratio in each area of residence, for benign and malignant neoplasms surgery in non-yet-contacted and contacted woman. Incidence for contacted women was calculated for the two years following initial contact. Results: The target population in Lazio is 681,000; 116,000 women were contacted during the study period and 3252 malignant and 1566 benign neoplasms were surgically treated. Annual incidence was, respectively, 2.0/1000 and 1.1/1000 for malignant and benign neoplasms in women not contacted, and, respectively, 2.9/1000 and 1.1/1000 in the contacted population. Among the contacted group, annual incidence was 4.3/1000 and 1.5/1000 in compliant women, and 2.0/1000 and 0.9/1000 in non-compliant women. About one-half of the surgeries for benign neoplasms in compliant women were treated against the recommendation of the screening programme. Conclusions: The implementation of the screening programme did not increase the incidence of treatment for benign neoplasms, and detected 50% more malignant neoplasms.
A method of meatoplasty
Authors: Anthony Walter P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAn adequate external auditory meatus is necessary to prevent accumulation of debris in cases of atresia and stenosis and to facilitate good postoperative care following tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy. A method of enlarging the meatus which has been used in almost 400 operations is presented.An endaural incision is made which is extended superiorly above the pinna. The upper half of the auricular cartilage is mobilized. In closing this incision the relationship of the superior edge of the tragus is advanced superiorly and the crus of the helix is moved inferiorly, thus opening the meatus.This method results in an adequate external meatus without the removal of conchal cartilage and eliminates the possibility of perichondritis.
Eversion of the lining membrane of the vestibule
Authors: Shea John J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe pressure gradient of nearly 1,000 mm of water that can develop between the perilymph and the middle ear makes the choice of material used to seal the oval window after the stapes is removed of great importance.This potential pressure gradient is the sum of the 350 mm of water positive pressure that can develop in the perilymph when the head is down and the 600 mm of water negative pressure that can develop in the middle ear when the Eustachian tube is blocked, and the air is absorbed.As a result of this potential pressure gradient after the stapes is removed, there is a definite tendency for the oval window to remain open or reopen later. The lining membrane of the vestibule that does form in time has a tendency to evert and displace or otherwise inactivate the prosthesis.A full report will be made of how these pressures develop and the resulting hearing loss due to perilymph fistula and eversion of the lining membrane of the vestibule that have been observed.
Facial nerve and stapes anomaly: A case report
Authors: Mcclerkin William W. , Schuknecht Harold F. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA 17‐year‐old white female presented with a unilateral conductive hearing loss which had been present since birth. The external auditory canal and tympanic membrane appeared to be normal, and the manubrium was mobile.Exploratory tympanotomy revealed the horizontal segment of the facial nerve to be dehiscent and displaced inferiorly, thus occupying the oval window niche. The nerve was interposed between a rudimentary crural arch and a fixed stapes footplate. The malleus and incus were normal. A burr hole was made into the vestibule at the superior edge of the oval window; however the utricular macula was encountered, and further attempts at reconstruction were discarded. Other procedures, such as rerouting the facial nerve in association with stapedectomy or fenestration of the lateral semicircular canal, were considered to be inappropriate for this case of unilateral deafness.
The electron transport system in the cochlear hair cell: The ultrastructural cytochemistry of respiratory enzymes in hair cell mitochondria of the Guinea pig.
Authors: Spector Gershon J. , Carr Charles 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA systematic analysis of the electron transport system in hair cell mitochondria of the guinea pig is presented. This is the first such attempt to explain the underlying oxido‐reduction mechanisms for the aerobic metabolism of the hair cell. The study is based on recent developments in ultrastructural cytochemical techniques. These techniques have been modified, expanded, and applied to the study of the inner ear.The use of distyryl ditetrazolium salt (DS‐NBT) for dehydrogenase experiments and 3,31 diaminobenzidine (DAB) for cytochrome experiments allows precise localization of enzyme activities due to the amorphous electron opaque reaction products which do not obliterate ultrastructural detail. Rigorous morphologic and cytochemical controls are employed to confirm the specificity of the reactions studied.Enzyme systems from the three major classes of oxido‐reduction respiratory chain enzymes are studied: the pyridine‐linked dehydrogenases — lactic acid dehydrogenase, flavin‐linked dehydrogenases — succinic dehydrogenase and NADH2‐diaphorase, and cytochromes — cytochrome oxidase. Our results indicate that the respiratory oxido‐reduction reactions, from NADH to cytochrome oxidase are located on the inner mitochondrial membrane, in the outer compartment and the intracristate space. This electron transport system has direction (vectorial metabolism) and anisotropy (spatial orientation). Its properties are best explained by the chemiosmotic hypothesis.The hair cell mitochondria are cytochemically indistinguishable (with regard to these four reactions) from free liver mitochondria. A cursory review of mitochondria of the stria vascularis, supporting cells of the organ of Corti, and the vestibular system reveals a similar, ultrastructural cytochemical picture. The results of these experiments are in close agreement with the studies on rat heart, liver, and muscle mitochondria, and with the accepted biochemical fractionation data.The question of whether the mitochondria can perform mechanical work, in terms of conformational changes, is open to debate. Our results demonstrate that it is hazardous to interpret the morphologic mitochondrial alterations in terms of functional activity. This is due to the inherent artifacts in all morphologic experiments which are dependent on prefixation and osmolarity alterations.
The changes in phase lag during sinusoidal angular rotation following labyrinthectomy in the cat.
Authors: Moran Willard B. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the cat following unilateral labyrinthectomy to see if changes in the phase lag occurred during sinusoidal angular rotation. The phase lag is felt to occur because the action of the cupla and endolymph are heavily damped causing the reversal of a nystagmus direction to lag behind the actual change of the direction of the rotational force. Fourteen cats were used as normal control and four unilateral labyrinthectomized cats were evaluated. The results indicate that unilateral labyrinthectomy does have an effect on the phase lag when sinusoidal angular rotation is used.
A study of tumors of the parapharyngeal space.
Authors: Work Walter P. , Hybels Roger L. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA retrospective study of patients with parapharyngeal tumors has been completed, and this report concerns 40 patients cared for during the years 1962–1973. The parapharyngeal space is a potential anatomical space with three rigid walls so that growth of a tumor proceeds either medially or inferiorly or both. This pattern of growth accounts for the distinct clinical appearance of a displaced palate and pharynx. As noted in this series of cases, Table I depicts the types of tumors which involved the parapharyngeal space. Eighty‐two percent of the cases presented with benign tumors. On the other hand, 18 percent of the patients had malignant tumors.Benign mixed cell tumors and schwannomas are the most commonly noted benign tumors. Several cases presented with unusual tumors.In most patients the tumor was discovered on routine physical examination. Arteriography has become a valuable and safe diagnostic study. These procedures often help the surgeon to determine the extent of tumor, vessel displacement and the possibility of chemodectoma and even malignancy in some patients.An external surgical approach is recommended for surgical excision of the benign parapharyngeal tumor in most patients. Intraoral incisional biopsy in patients with benign tumors is to be avoided because of dangers of vessel and nerve injury as well as “seeding” of the biopsy site. On the other hand, malignancy may be diagnosed with incisional biopsy either performed externally or intraorally, depending on the judgment of the surgeon as to the anatomical location and site of the neoplasm. In final analysis the external surgical approach allows the surgeon systematically to identify tumor, important cranial nerves including the facial nerve and the great vessels. Every effort should be made by the surgeon not to violate the capsule of a benign mixed tumor during its removal. Removal of tumor is enhanced frequently by preliminary excision of the submandibular gland, vessel ligation and mandibulotomy. In the latter instance the patient must undergo tracheostomy. Postoperative cranial nerve palsies occurred for the most part in those patients who underwent surgical excision of schwannomas. These tumors originated from the vagus nerve or cervical sympathetic chain. Sacrifice of these nerves during removal caused little morbidity.Follow‐up examinations in this series of patients revealed that if benign tumors are removed from the parapharyngeal space in a deliberately planned manner, recurrence rates are extremely low. In patients who are treated for malignant lesions, prognosis must be guarded, as mortality rates are high regardless of the type of therapy.
The use of proplasttm in otologic surgery.
Authors: Shea John J. , Homsy Charles A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe use of alloplastic implants in otolaryngologic and maxillofacial surgery has a long history. In recent years, collaborative efforts among materials scientists, surgeons, and dentists have elucidated biological and functional criteria for implant materials.Using these criteria, a new alloplastic material, ProplastTM was developed, the first of a new generation of materials for implantation, which is a composite of Teflon polymer and elemental carbon. It is very well tolerated as an interphase between metal and plastic implants and tissue.The gross physical appearance is that of a resilient black felt sponge. Because of the ingredients from which ProplastTM is made it exhibits extraordinary chemical and thermal resistance, permitting firm fusion of pieces 0.5 mm to 5 mm in thickness to metallic and rigid plastic implant materials. The resultant lamination may be sterilized by routine steam autoclave techniques used for metals.Like the elemental carbon with which it is covered, ProplastTM has the least reaction of any material known when tested in simulated biochemical exposure to pseudoextracellular fluid.The elemental carbon surface renders ProplastTM extremely wettable to body fluid, permitting precipitation of host proteins in a relatively undenatured form, camouflaging the implant from the body's immunologic rejection mechanism. Since it is 70 to 90 percent porous, ProplastTM is malleable and easily handled. It can be shaped with a knife or scissors and even shaved to a sheet 1/50th of an inch in thickness with a dermatome. Teflon and other plastics and metals suitable for implantation can be laminated to ProplastTM to form a composite alloplast with unlimited structural properties and shapes. Even though ProplastTM is relatively new to otolaryngology, it has been used extensively for the past three years in orthopedic and oral surgery as an interphase material between metal implants and surrounding tissue. These uses have demonstrated that fibrous ingrowth into the ProplastTM is rapid and acts to stabilize metal and plastic prostheses mechanically.Bound to a Teflon columella it has been successful as a Total Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis, to prevent necrosis of the drum over the malleus with a prosthesis around it, to reconstruct an atrophic retracted drum and to reconstruct the posterior canal wall. Animal experiments are now underway to determine the effect of ProplastTM on the inner ear as an oval window seal. If these are satisfactory, ProplastTM will be tried as an oval window seal around a Teflon piston inserted into a small hole in the footplate for otosclerosis.
Zinc therapy in otology
Authors: Ruggles Richard L. , Linquist Philip A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAt a recent panel on Otology, I asked the audience for a show of hands of those using Zinc for delayed healing and granulations. It was surprising to note that not more than 4 physicians out of 100 had tried Zinc. The need to report our encouraging results was apparent. From 1971 to 1975, 544 tympanoplasties and 122 mastoidectomies were studied for delayed healing due to granulations. Forty‐six patients were found to have resistant granulations. Thirty‐three of these healed within two weeks of therapy, 10 more required a total of four weeks for healing, and three did not respond well. Sixteen patients had recurrence when the medication was terminated as soon as healing had occurred but responded well when the medication was continued for four weeks after healing was complete. Five patients had nausea, which subsided when the dosage was reduced from the usual 200 mg. of Zinc Sulfate, three times daily with meals to 100 mg., t.i.d. or b.i.d. One patient developed mild urticaria.Zinc therapy is apparently indicated in granulomata of the ear when healing does not occur with conventional therapy, especially in the postoperative patient; however, it will not suffice when there is massive involvement of the mastoid or middle ear, where surgical removal is indicated.
Rhomboid flap principles and common variations
Authors: Fee Willard E. , Gunter Jack P. , Carder Henry M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe rhomboid flap was initially popularized by a Russian, Alexander Limberg, and modified by Claude Dufourmentel of Paris. Numerous variations on the flap have been proposed more recently by Webster and Gunter. This flap has found its way into the practice of most surgeons doing head and neck surgery, with its primary advantage being that it is an extremely simple flap operation to learn, with great versatility. The general principles and their clinical application are presented in order to increase proper utilization of the flap.
Targeted Gene-Expression Analysis by Genome-Controlled Reverse Transcription-PCR
Authors: Stenman Jakob , Paju Annukka , Rissanen Oso , Tenkanen Tuomas , Haglund Caj , Räsänen Jari , Salo Jarmo , Stenman Ulf-Håkan , Orpana Arto 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Background: For gene-expression analysis, which is anticipated to play an important role in classification of tumors and premalignant conditions, PCR-based quantitative assays must have increased diagnostic quantitative accuracy and reproducibility and enable analysis of gene expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples.
Methods: We developed a reverse transcription–PCR-based quantitative assay that modifies the cDNA sequence to increase the melting temperature of short (56–64 bp) PCR amplicons, enabling their quantification in-tube by homogeneous melting-curve analysis. We used this method to analyze the expression of 8 genes, 7 potential colon cancer markers, and 1 control in samples obtained from 3 colon carcinoma cell lines, endoscopic biopsy from 8 patients undergoing gastroscopy for Barrett esophagus, and archival FFPE and frozen tissue from 20 patients who underwent surgery for colon carcinoma.
Results: The detection limit of the assay, when optimized for FFPE samples, was 100 copies of cDNA, and the dynamic range was 3 orders of magnitude. A prototype assay containing a panel of 8 genes displayed good reproducibility compared with the commercially available TaqMan® assay (interassay CVs, 5%–20% vs 7%–43%, respectively). Gene-expression analysis was performed successfully in 26 (96%) of 27 endoscopic biopsy specimens, 30 (86%) of 35 archival FFPE samples, and 20 (100%) of 20 archival frozen samples.
Conclusions: This new technology combines the reproducibility of competitive PCR with accurate quantitative detection by in-tube melting-curve analysis, enabling efficient analysis of mRNA profiles in samples with small numbers of cells or small amounts of tissue, as well as in archival FFPE tissues.
Health Outcomes Categorized by Current and Previous Definitions of Acute Myocardial Infarction in an Unselected Cohort of Troponin-Naïve Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , MacRae Andrew R , Palomaki Glenn E , Newman Alice M , Ko Dennis T , Lustig Viliam , Tu Jack V , Jaffe Allan S 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Background: In a population originally classified for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, we compared the health outcomes after retrospectively reclassifying with the European Society of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology (ESC/ACC) AMI definition, using the peak cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations. The health outcomes were based on the WHO definition and occurred in an era that preceded the use of cardiac troponin biomarkers.
Methods: For 448 patients who presented to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of cardiac ischemia in 1996, we obtained data for all-cause mortality and recurrent AMI for up to 1 year after the initial presentation. We performed retrospective analysis of the patients’ frozen plasma samples to measure cTnI (AccuTnI®, Beckman Coulter).
Results: At 30, 120, and 360 days, the risk for AMI/death in patients positive for AMI by only the ESC/ACC criteria was significantly lower than the risk in patients positive by both ESC/ACC and WHO criteria, and significantly higher than in patients negative according to both criteria. In a separate analysis, patients with a peak cTnI &gt;0.10 μg/L were at greater risk for AMI/death than patients with cTnI concentrations of 0.04–0.10 μg/L. Patients negative by both definitions or with peak cTnI concentrations &lt;0.04 μg/L had the highest event-free survival rates (92% and 94%, respectively) at 1 year.
Conclusion: In a troponin-naïve population, patients classified as positive for AMI by only the ESC/ACC criteria have a prognosis that appears to be intermediate between those classified positive by both the WHO and ESC/ACC definitions and those who meet neither criteria.
Effects of short-term caloric restriction on circulating free IGF-I, acid-labile subunit, IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs)-1–4, and IGFBPs-1–3 protease activity in obese subjects
Authors: Rasmussen Michael Højby , Juul Anders , Kjems Lise Lund , Hilsted Jannik 
Published: September 2006

Objective: Decreased levels of GH and total IGF-I have been reported in obesity. It has been hypothesized that increased free (biologically active) IGF-I levels generated from IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) protease activity could be the mechanism for the low GH release in dieting obese subjects. However, no published data exist on free IGF-I levels, acid labile subunit (ALS), or IGFBP protease activity in relation to GH release during a hypocaloric diet. The main purpose of this study was to determine free IGF-I, ALS, IGFBPs-1–4, and IGFBPs-1–3 protease activity in relation to 24-h GH release before and after a short-term very low-calorie diet (VLCD).
Design: Six obese subjects before weight loss, five after an average weight loss of 36.1 kg, and five age-and sex-matched lean controls underwent a 4-day VLCD. All subjects were studied on two occasions, once during normal basic diet and again during the last day of the VLCD (1.6 MJ).
Methods: Free IGF-I was determined by a non-competitive immunoradiometric assay.
Results: Free IGF-I levels decreased in concert with increased ALS and unchanged blunted GH release after a VLCD in the obese subjects. IGFBPs-1–3 proteolytic activity was found to be unchanged by hypocaloric diet in all groups.
Conclusions: We conclude that free IGF-I decreases after a short-term hypocaloric diet in obese subjects with no concomitant change in 24-h GH release. Circulating free IGF-I per se cannot be the main mechanism of the attenuated GH release in dieting obese subjects.
Changes in interleukin-6 and IGF system and their relationships in placenta and cord blood in newborns with fetal growth restriction compared with controls
Authors: Street Maria E , Seghini Pietro , Fieni Stefania , Ziveri Maria Angela , Volta Cecilia , Martorana Davide , Viani Isabella , Gramellini Dandolo , Bernasconi Sergio 
Published: September 2006

Objectives: The IGF system is central to fetal growth. Recently, the relationships between cytokines and the IGF system have been shown in specific tissues. It is unknown whether these occur in the placenta. The aim of this study was to assess whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) modulated the IGF system.
Methods: Whole villous tissue and cord serum were collected from fetal growth restriction (FGR) neonates diagnosed before birth with altered Doppler velocimetry and controls. Sixteen FGR and 20 controls, born after week 32 of gestation from elective Caesarean sections, were compared. Total RNA was extracted from the placenta samples, reverse transcribed, and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR was performed to quantify cDNA for IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1, IGFBP-2, and IL-6. The same proteins were assayed in placenta lysates and cord serum using specific commercial kits and western immunoblotting.
Results: FGR subjects had significantly more IGFBPs-1 and -2, and IL-6 mRNA and corresponding proteins in the placenta. In particular, the less phosphorylated isoforms of IGFBP-1 were highly increased. IL-6 and IGFBPs-2 mRNA, and IL-6 and IGFBP-1 peptides were positively and significantly correlated in the placenta. The IGF-II peptide was also significantly increased in FGR placentas. In cord serum, IGFBPs-1 and -2 were significantly more elevated in the FGR neonates. Serum IL-6 was significantly and positively correlated with both IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2.
Conclusions: The placenta of FGR neonates has higher IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and IL-6 contents compared with controls. At birth, IGFBPs-1 and -2 are increased in the cord blood of FGR neonates. IL-6 and IGFBP-2 gene expressions are closely related in the placenta. We suggest that the increase in IL-6 and IGFBP-2 could be subsequent to hypoxia and nutrient deficiency. As IGFBP-2 has a strong affinity for IGF-II, which is crucial for fetal growth, it could be an important bioregulator of IGF-II in the placenta.