bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and environmental effects on exhaled nitric oxide and airway responsiveness in a population-based sample of twins
Authors: Lund M. B. , Kongerud J. , Nystad W. , Boe J. , Harris J. R. 
Published: November 2006

Elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and airway hyperresponsiveness are intermediate phenotypes of asthma. Using population-based data collected from a sample of twins, the present authors estimated the relative contribution of genes, family environment and nonshared environmental influences to variations in eNO and airway responsiveness (AR). In addition, the genetic and environmental sources of covariation between these two asthma-related phenotypes were investigated.The study population comprised a random sample of 377 adult twins identified through the Norwegian Twin Registry. The main outcome variables were eNO and AR to methacholine.Genetic effects accounted for 60% of the variation in eNO. Family environment accounted for 30% of the variation in AR, while nonshared environmental influences explained the remaining variation for both measures. For both eNO and AR, there were significant regression effects for atopy and smoking. The small, but significant association between eNO and AR was primarily explained by genetic factors. Sub-analyses restricted to atopic and nonsmoking twins strengthened the observation.In conclusion, variations in exhaled nitric oxide and airway responsiveness appear to be explained by different genetic and environmental variance structures. Variation in exhaled nitric oxide is explained by genetic and nonshared environmental effects, whereas an environmental model best explains the variation in airway responsiveness. Common genetic effects explain the small but significant association between exhaled nitric oxide and airway responsiveness.
Self-management in bronchiectasis: the patients' perspective
Authors: Lavery K. , O'Neill B. , Elborn J. S. , Reilly J. , Bradley J. M. 
Published: November 2006

Self-management programmes for chronic disease are a high priority for healthcare providers. The content and method of delivery of self-management should give consideration to the specific requirements of the disease population. The aims of the present study were to assess the physical and psychosocial impact of bronchiectasis, to determine whether patients with bronchiectasis are receptive to self-management and to identify any obstacles or sources of support for a disease-specific self-management programme.A total of 32 patients with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis attended four focus groups. Each focus group was videotaped and subjected to qualitative analysis using the grounded theory approach.Bronchiectasis had an impact on patients’ physical and psychosocial well-being. Patients demonstrated the potential to self-manage with strategies including self-regulation of medication and airway clearance. Perceived obstacles to self-management included lack of information and confidence. Patients suggested that self-management could be promoted through disease-specific information and appropriate healthcare procedures.In summary, patients with bronchiectasis have their lives disrupted by this chronic condition, but are receptive to self-management. The present study has provided information from the patients' perspective of elements which need to be included in a successful disease-specific self-management programme.
An in-depth study of patent medicine sellers' perspectives on malaria in a rural Nigerian community
Authors: Okeke Theodora A , Uzochukwu Benjamin SC , Okafor Henrietta U 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Malaria remains a major cause of mortality among under five children in Nigeria. Most of the early treatments for fever and malaria occur through self-medication with antimalarial drugs bought from medicine sellers. These have led to increasing calls for interventions to improve treatment obtained in these outlets. However, information about the current practices of these medicine sellers is needed before such interventions. This study aims to determine the medicine sellers' perspectives on malaria and the determinants that underlie their dispensing patterns of antimalarial drugs.

Methods
The study was conducted in Ugwugo-Nike, a rural community in south-east Nigeria. It involved in-depth interviews with 13 patent medicine sellers.

Results
A majority of the medicine sellers were not trained health professionals and malaria is recognized as a major health problem by them. There is poor knowledge and poor dispensing behaviour in relation to childhood malaria episodes. Although referral of severe malaria is common, there are those who will not refer. Verbal advice is rarely given to the care-givers.

Conclusion
More action research and interventions to improve prescription and referral practices and giving verbal advice to care-givers is recommended. Ways to integrate the drug sellers in the health system are also recommended.
Mechanical adaptability of a sponge extracellular matrix: evidence for cellular control of mesohyl stiffness inChondrosia reniformisNardo
Authors: Wilkie I. C. , Parma L. , Bonasoro F. , Bavestrello G. , Cerrano C. , Carnevali M. D. Candia 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYThe marine sponge Chondrosia reniformis Nardo consists largely of a collagenous tissue, the mesohyl, which confers a cartilaginous consistency on the whole animal. This investigation was prompted by the incidental observation that, despite a paucity of potentially contractile elements in the mesohyl, intact C. reniformis stiffen noticeably when touched. By measuring the deflection under gravity of beam-shaped tissue samples, it was demonstrated that the flexural stiffness of the mesohyl is altered by treatments that influence cellular activities, including [Ca2+]manipulation, inorganic and organic calcium channel-blockers and cell membrane disrupters, and that it is also sensitive to extracts of C. reniformis tissue that have been repeatedly frozen then thawed. Since the membrane disrupters and tissue extracts cause marked stiffening of mesohyl samples, it is hypothesised that cells in the mesohyl store a stiffening factor and that the physiologically controlled release of this factor is responsible for the touch-induced stiffening of intact animals.
Interaction of two swimming Paramecia
Authors: Ishikawa Takuji , Hota Masateru 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARY
The interaction between two swimming Paramecium caudatum was investigated experimentally. Cell motion was restricted between flat plates,and avoiding and escape reactions were observed, as well as hydrodynamic interactions. The results showed that changes in direction between two swimming cells were induced mainly by hydrodynamic forces and that the biological reaction was a minor factor. Numerical simulations were also performed using a boundary element method. P. caudatum was modelled as a rigid spheroid with surface tangential velocity measured by a particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. Hydrodynamic interactions observed in the experiment agreed well with the numerical simulations, so we can conclude that the present cell model is appropriate for describing the motion of P. caudatum.
Management of the airway in patients with angioedema
Authors: Pruet Charles W. , Kornblut Alan D. , Brickman Chaim , Kaliner Michael A. , Frank Michael M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAngiodema can be frequently encountered in clinical practice, and usually represents transient areas of tissue edema and erythema. In general, lesions involve the deep dermis as well as subcutaneous or submucosal sites and can affect multiple organ systems, including the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Although the underlying cause for the angioedema is frequently not known, it can result from atopy, specific antigen sensitivities, physical stimuli, as well as disorders that affect the complement cascade. These latter entities may be congenital or acquired. Pathogenesis for angioedema is generally thought to be activation of mast cells or basophils, with subsequent release of histamine and other mediator products which can induce inflammatory changes.In most patients with physical and allergic causes of angioedema, swelling can usually be treated with epinephrine, antihistamines and/or steroids. Management of the airway in such patients is usually symptomatic, although certain patients require hospitalization for supervised care. On the other hand, patients with hereditary angioedema do not often respond well to these agents. In such patients, we currently add infusions of epsilonaminocaproic acid as well as nembulized racemic epinephrine to our therapeutic regimen, but even this may not be satisfactory. At the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, endotracheal intubation is usually preferred to tracheostomy for securing a temporary airway, though certain patients may require placement of tracheostomies for better control of the airway. Patients with frequent recurrences of airway obstruction are rarely seen — even among those patients with known hereditary angioedema. However, such patients may require tracheal fenestrations to secure long‐term protection of the airway.The Institute's experiences in the management of patients with angioedema are reviewed, and therapies employed are described.
The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap: An angiographic study
Authors: Saraceno Carmelo A. , Santini Hector , Endicott James N. , Martinez Carlos , Shah Chunilal 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA new era in head and neck reconstruction has been opened with the use of myocutaneous flaps. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is considered the most reliable of its kind but flap failures still occur secondary to tension and infection. Our standard procedure has been to follow the acromioxiphoid line as a guide to the location of the blood supply of the pectoralis major muscle. We have noticed in the operating room and during cadaver dissection that the vascular supply is sometimes more laterally located than usually described. A review of the vascular supply of this anatomic area using angiographic studies of the subclavian and its branches is presented, with important findings critical to the surgical technique used to protect the flap's blood supply.
Sicca syndrome … diagnostic perplexities.
Authors: Lyons George D. , Martinez Anthony J. , Biundo Joseph J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPatients presenting with xerostomia and other signs of Sjogren's syndrome pose diagnostic problems. Many other underlying diseases cause these symptoms and a systematic evaluation is necessary to make an accurate diagnostic assessment.There are immunological tests and histological studies which help make them distinctive and are herein outlined. Patients with this information presenting with sicca syndrome, therefore, can be more accurately assessed and have better treatment regimens instituted.The “sicca syndrome,” which is a disorder discussed primarily in the rheumatology literature, is rarely a topic in the otolaryngology literature, although there are often presenting symptoms of this problem in the head and neck. This paper reviews this problem, discusses the confusion regarding terminology, and outlines a practical method of diagnosis for the clinician.
Programming the cochlear implant based on electrical acoustic reflex thresholds: Patient performance
Authors: Spivak Lynn G. , Chute Patricia M. , Popp Amy L. , Parisier Simon C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe electrical acoustic reflex threshold (EART) has been shown to be a reliable estimate of behavioral comfort levels in both child and adult cochlear implant patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential for using EARTs for programming the Nucleus cochlear implant. EARTs and behavioral comfort levels were obtained from 7 adult implant patients. Two programs or “maps” were made for each patient, one based on behavioral comfort levels and one based on EARTs. Performance on open set tests of speech recognition was measured with each map. Mean data suggest that speech perception is similar with both maps. Analysis of individual data revealed that, whereas 2 subjects performed better with the C‐level maps, the remaining 5 subjects tended to perform either better with the EART map or equally well with both maps. These results suggest that EARTs may be an adequate substitute for comfort levels when programming the implant for patients who are unable to make reliable psychophysical judgments.
Artificial reflex arc: A potential solution for chronic aspiration. III: Stimulation of implanted cervical skin as a functional graft triggering glottic closure in the canine
Authors: Broniatowski Michael , Sohn Jinho , Kayali Hani , Bold E. Luke , Miller Frank R. , Jacobs Gordon B. , Tucker Harvey M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractStroke often impairs the ability of the vocal cords to close during deglutition, resulting in aspiration. The current study is a further advance on the application of the concept of an artificial reflex arc during swallowing. The second and third cervical branches were bilaterally isolated in four dogs and baseline sensory nerve traffic was detected via tripolar perineural electrodes. Cervical skin pressure‐induced suprathreshold signals were used to trigger vocal cord contraction via bipolar electrodes passed around the recurrent laryngeal nerves. Skin subtended by the cervical nerves was implanted over the lateral aspect of the pyriform sinuses for 1 week. After reexploration, glottic closure was verified on videotape as surges in sensory nerve traffic were induced by mechanical stimulation of the pharynx. The possibility of artifactual stimulation was ruled out by lack of electrode motion during pharyngeal stimulation, spontaneous firing in the sensory nerve during light anesthesia, and sensory frequency differing from ambient 60‐Hz noise. This article introduces the concept of autogenous functional graft as a basis for afferent information in electronic systems for dynamic rehabilitation of swallowing disorders.
Collagen‐assisted healing of facial wounds after mohs surgery
Authors: Becker Gary D. , Adams Lawrence A. , Hackett James 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAllowing selected full‐thickness skin defects to heal by secondary intention offers the advantages of optimal cancer surveillance, simplified wound management, and avoidance of reconstructive procedures with their associated costs and potential complications. The topical use of bovine collagen has been suggested as a method of enhancing wound closure and final cosmetic appearance.This study evaluated the effect of bovine collagen on wound healing in patients undergoing facial Mohs surgery using the fresh‐tissue technique. A total of 111 consecutive patients were assigned to a collagen or no‐collagen group. Wound care was identical except for the weekly addition of bovine collagen to the wound of patients in the collagen group. Evaluation was at weekly intervals until the wound epithelialized, then bimonthly for at least 6 months. There was no difference in the rate of wound epithelialization or final cosmetic appearance.This study provides no evidence that the topical use of bovine collagen in a facial wound after Mohs surgery enhances wound epithelialization or the final cosmetic appearance.
Elective percutaneous (rapitrac) tracheotomy: Results of a prospective trial
Authors: Cole Ian E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA prospective trial was carried out to assess the incidence of complications from percutaneous tracheotomies by the Rapitrac method performed by one member of an otolaryngology unit and to compare them to the dissection method over the same time period. The first 32 patients had a Rapitrac carried out blindly. Three had paratracheal or anterior tracheal insertions, one of which resulted in death of the patient. The procedure was aborted in 5 patients (16%) because of difficulty introducing the curved needle. Primary hemorrhage, damage to the posterior wall, and surgical emphysema occurred in 2 (6%) patients each. Because of the high rate of complications due to the blind nature of the procedure, the following 23 procedures were carried out using a fiberoptic bronchoscope inserted through the endotracheal tube. This procedure resulted in only 2 minor complications and is recommended if the Rapitrac technique of percutaneous tracheotomy is the method of choice.
Meniere's disease: Role of antibodies against basement membrane antigens
Authors: Fattori Bruno , Ghilardi Pier Luigi , Casani Augusto , Migliorini Paola , Riente Lucrezia 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRecently, high levels of anti‐collagen II (CII) antibodies have been found in a significant percentage of patients with Meniere's disease (MD). An immune response against other collagens (C) present in the basal membranes has also been suggested by the presence of anti‐CIV and anti‐laminin antibodies in a number of instances of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and Raynaud's phenomenon (RP).The aim of the present study was to measure the levels and frequency of anti‐CI, ‐CII, ‐CIV ‐CV, and anti‐laminin antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 45 patients affected by MD, 24 patients with PSS, 24 patients with RP, and 25 normal subjects.Immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti‐CII antibodies were detected in 15.5% of MD sera, and 6.6% of MD sera were positive on CV, 11.1% were positive on laminin, 4.4% were positive on CI, and 4.4% were positive on CIV. Alow incidence of anti‐CI, ‐CII, ‐CIV, ‐CV, and antilaminin antibodies was found. Positive sera did not react on immunoblot with peptides obtained by cyanogen bromide (CNBr) digestion of CH. These results contrast with those of Yoo, et al.; differences in the washing procedure used and in the ethnic background of the patients may explain this divergence.Our results would seem to indicate that autoimmune responses do not play a role in the pathogenesis of MD.
Improved Marker Combination for Detection of De Novo Genetic Variation and Aberrant DNA in Colorectal Neoplasia
Authors: Kann Lisa , Han James , Ahlquist David , Levin Theodore , Rex Douglas , Whitney Duncan , Markowitz Sanford , Shuber Anthony 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Background: The genetic heterogeneity of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) makes the choice of genetic markers and sequence variation–detection technologies critical to the performance of screening assays. We have previously described the effectiveness of a CRC assay composed of 22 known variants in KRAS, APC, TP53, and BAT-26 (V1). We introduce a new marker formulation (V2) that includes detection of de novo variation in APC, PIK3CA, and CTNNB1, hypermethylated sequences within SMARCA3 and VIM, and a single-base variation within BRAF. We compared the abilities of the V1 and V2 markers to detect aberrant DNA in colorectal neoplasias.
Methods: V1 and V2 marker formulations were used to analyze 144 colorectal tissue samples comprising 50 precancerous adenomas, 94 carcinomas, and 11 nonpathologic tissues. V1 analysis consisted of single-base extension analysis of the 22 V1 variants. V2 analysis consisted of DNA scanning of the APC mutation cluster region, PIK3CA exons 9 and 20, CTNNB1 exon 3, analysis for the BRAF Val600Glu substitution, and methylation-specific PCR analysis of VIM and SMARCA3.
Results: The V2 marker formulation had significantly higher sensitivity than the V1 markers for carcinomas (93.6% and 72.3%, respectively; P = 0.0002) and adenomas (92.0% and 62.0%, respectively; P = 0.0006). None of the nonpathologic samples were positive for any marker.
Conclusions: We demonstrate improved sensitivity of a new marker formulation (V2) to detect aberrant DNA in CRC and precancerous adenoma tumor tissues.
Definition and Classification of Negative Motor Signs in Childhood
Authors: Sanger Terence D. , Chen Daofen , Delgado Mauricio R. , Gaebler-Spira Deborah , Hallett Mark , Mink Jonathan W. ,   the Taskforce on Childhood Motor Disorders
Published: November 2006

In this report we describe the outcome of a consensus meeting that occurred at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, March 12 through 14, 2005. The meeting brought together 39 specialists from multiple clinical and research disciplines including developmental pediatrics, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurophysiology, muscle physiology, motor control, and biomechanics. The purpose of the meeting was to establish terminology and definitions for 4 aspects of motor disorders that occur in children: weakness, reduced selective motor control, ataxia, and deficits of praxis. The purpose of the definitions is to assist communication between clinicians, select homogeneous groups of children for clinical research trials, facilitate the development of rating scales to assess improvement or deterioration with time, and eventually to better match individual children with specific therapies.
“Weakness” is defined as the inability to generate normal voluntary force in a muscle or normal voluntary torque about a joint. “Reduced selective motor control” is defined as the impaired ability to isolate the activation of muscles in a selected pattern in response to demands of a voluntary posture or movement. “Ataxia” is defined as an inability to generate a normal or expected voluntary movement trajectory that cannot be attributed to weakness or involuntary muscle activity about the affected joints. “Apraxia” is defined as an impairment in the ability to accomplish previously learned and performed complex motor actions that is not explained by ataxia, reduced selective motor control, weakness, or involuntary motor activity. “Developmental dyspraxia” is defined as a failure to have ever acquired the ability to perform age-appropriate complex motor actions that is not explained by the presence of inadequate demonstration or practice, ataxia, reduced selective motor control, weakness, or involuntary motor activity.
Reducing Children's Television-Viewing Time: A Qualitative Study of Parents and Their Children
Authors: Jordan Amy B. , Hersey James C. , McDivitt Judith A. , Heitzler Carrie D. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children over age 2 years spend ≤2 hours per day with screen media, because excessive viewing has been linked to a plethora of physical, academic, and behavioral problems. The primary goal of this study was to qualitatively explore how a recommendation to limit television viewing might be received and responded to by a diverse sample of parents and their school-age children.METHODS. The study collected background data about media use, gathered a household media inventory, and conducted in-depth individual and small group interviews with 180 parents and children ages 6 to 13 years old.RESULTS. Most of the children reported spending ∼3 hours per day watching television. The average home in this sample had 4 television sets; nearly two thirds had a television in the child's bedroom, and nearly half had a television set in the kitchen or dining room. Although virtually all of the parents reported having guidelines for children's television viewing, few had rules restricting the time children spend watching television. Data from this exploratory study suggest several potential barriers to implementing a 2-hour limit, including: parents' need to use television as a safe and affordable distraction, parents' own heavy television viewing patterns, the role that television plays in the family's day-to-day routine, and a belief that children should spend their weekend leisure time as they wish. Interviews revealed that for many of these families there is a lack of concern that television viewing is a problem for their child, and there remains confusion about the boundaries of the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics.CONCLUSIONS. Parents in this study expressed interest in taking steps toward reducing children's television time but also uncertainty about how to go about doing so. Results suggest possible strategies to reduce the amount of time children spend in front of the screen.