bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new method to assess fetal head descent in labor with transperineal ultrasound
Authors: Barbera A. F. , Pombar X. , Perugino G. , Lezotte D. C. , Hobbins J. C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and reproducibility of measuring fetal head station and descent during labor using transperineal ultrasound (TPU) imaging, to compare the evaluation of fetal station through digital examinations with concurrent TPU assessments, and to assess its utility in distinguishing patients whose pregnancy will result in spontaneous vaginal delivery from those who will require operative vaginal delivery or Cesarean section for failure to progress.MethodsTPU and digital examinations were performed in 88 term laboring patients with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation. Using TPU imaging, head descent was quantified by measuring the angle between the long axis of the pubic symphysis and a line extending from its most inferior portion tangentially to the fetal skull. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were calculated using variance component analysis. TPU imaging was used to measure the angle of head descent during the second stage of labor in 23 of the women.ResultsAnalysis of replicated measurements on 75 subjects, by the same observer at approximately the same time, yielded an average SD (intraobserver variability) of approximately 2.9° for the measurement of angle of head descent on TPU examination. A separate variance component analysis on a subset of 15 assessments for which measurements were repeated by a second observer, with two to four replicate measurements obtained by each, yielded an interobserver error estimate of 1.24°. A significant linear association was found between clinical digital assessments and measurement of angle of head descent by TPU examination (P < 0.001). An angle of at least 120° measured during the second stage of labor was always associated with subsequent spontaneous vaginal delivery. In six pregnancies ending in Cesarean section the mean angle of descent measured at last TPU examination was only 108°.ConclusionsThe angle of head descent measured by TPU imaging provides an objective, accurate and reproducible means for assessing descent of the fetal head during labor. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving toward exposure and risk evaluation of nanomaterials: challenges and future directions
Authors: Thomas Treye , Bahadori Tina , Savage Nora , Thomas Karluss 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNanotechnology, the commercial development of engineered nanomaterials, promises breakthrough innovations by enhancing the performance of existing consumer products and enabling development of new devices, architectures, and applications. Although these materials and applications are being developed at an explosive pace, a fundamental understanding of any potential human health and environmental risks resulting from exposure throughout the lifecycle of these materials has not advanced as rapidly. Past experience has demonstrated that successful introduction of a new technology occurs more readily if it is precipitated by a robust appreciation for any inherent risks associated with the technology. Such understanding allows the timely development of occupational and consumer exposure standards that might be needed to protect human health and the environment. Although risk is recognized as the product of hazard and exposure, too often exposure patterns are poorly characterized, and risk is based primarily or exclusively on the hazard characterization. The extent of exposure to nanomaterials in currently available commercial products is relatively unknown. Given the number of commercial products that claim to contain engineered nanomaterials, it is possible that human and environmental exposure to these materials is widespread. This paper is intended to highlight the importance of exposure assessment for determining the potential risks of nanomaterials. In essence, this is a call to action to the community of exposure scientists, toxicologists, and risk assessors to develop, consider, and incorporate requisite exposure information in the risk assessment of nanomaterials. Without an integrated approach, it will be difficult to meaningfully assess the risks of nanomaterials, realize their potential benefits, and foster their sustainable development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
Disease recurrence in paediatric renal transplantation
Authors: Cochat Pierre , Fargue Sonia , Mestrallet Guillaume , Jungraithmayr Therese , Koch-Nogueira Paulo , Ranchin Bruno , Zimmerhackl Lothar Bernd 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRenal transplantation (Tx) is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease. The incidence of acute rejection after renal Tx has decreased because of improving early immunosuppression, but the risk of disease recurrence (DR) is becoming relatively high, with a greater prevalence in children than in adults, thereby increasing patient morbidity, graft loss (GL) and, sometimes, mortality rate. The current overall graft loss to DR is 7–8%, mainly due to primary glomerulonephritis (70–80%) and inherited metabolic diseases. The more typical presentation is a recurrence of the full disease, either with a high risk of GL (focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis 14–50% DR, 40–60% GL; atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome 20–80% DR, 10–83% GL; membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis 30–100% DR, 17–61% GL; membranous nephropathy ∼30% DR, ∼50% GL; lipoprotein glomerulopathy ∼100% DR and GL; primary hyperoxaluria type 1 80–100% DR and GL) or with a low risk of GL [immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy 36–60% DR, 7–10% GL; systemic lupus erythematosus 0–30% DR, 0–5% GL; anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis]. Recurrence may also occur with a delayed risk of GL, such as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, sickle cell disease, endemic nephropathy, and sarcoidosis. In other primary diseases, the post-Tx course may be complicated by specific events that are different from overt recurrence: proteinuria or cancer in some genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome, anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies-associated glomerulonephritis (Alport syndrome, Goodpasture syndrome), and graft involvement as a consequence of lower urinary tract abnormality or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) nephropathy. Some other post-Tx conditions may mimic recurrence, such as de novo membranous glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, microangiopathy, or isolated specific deposits (cystinosis, Fabry disease). Adequate strategies should therefore be added to kidney Tx, such as donor selection, associated liver Tx, plasmatherapy, specific immunosuppression protocols. In such conditions, very few patients may be excluded from kidney Tx only because of a major risk of DR and repeated GL. In the near future the issue of DR after kidney Tx may benefit from alternatives to organ Tx, such as recombinant proteins, specific monoclonal antibodies, cell/gene therapy, and chaperone molecules.
Femtosecond Carrier Dynamics in In2O3Nanocrystals
Authors: Othonos Andreas , Zervos Matthew , Tsokkou Demetra 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
We have studied carrier dynamics in In2O3nanocrystals grown on a quartz substrate using chemical vapor deposition. Transient differential absorption measurements have been employed to investigate the relaxation dynamics of photo-generated carriers in In2O3nanocrystals. Intensity measurements reveal that Auger recombination plays a crucial role in the carrier dynamics for the carrier densities investigated in this study. A simple differential equation model has been utilized to simulate the photo-generated carrier dynamics in the nanocrystals and to fit the fluence-dependent differential absorption measurements. The average value of the Auger coefficient obtained from fitting to the measurements was γ = 5.9 ± 0.4 × 10−31 cm6 s−1. Similarly the average relaxation rate of the carriers was determined to be approximately τ = 110 ± 10 ps. Time-resolved measurements also revealed ~25 ps delay for the carriers to reach deep traps states which have a subsequent relaxation time of approximately 300 ps.
Primary versus secondary tracheoesophageal puncture in salvage total laryngectomy following chemoradiation
Authors: Emerick Kevin S. , Tomycz Luke , Bradford Carol R. , Lyden Teresa H. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Wolf Gregory T. , Teknos Theodoros N. 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo compare the rate of postoperative wound‐healing complications and voice fluency in primary vs secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) following chemoradiation.MethodsBetween 1998 and 2005, 30 patients underwent laryngectomy after chemoradiation therapy. Twenty patients underwent primary TEP and 10 patients underwent secondary TEP. Comorbidities, postoperative complications, speech fluency, and time to speech fluency were evaluated in each patient.ResultsPharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) occurred in 10 of 20 (50%) patients who underwent primary TEP and in 0 of 10 (0%) patients in the secondary TEP group (P < 0.05). Overall, 25 of 25 (100%) patients who had placement of a tracheoesophageal prosthesis achieved fluent speech. Median time to fluency was 63 days in the primary TEP group and 125 days in the secondary TEP group.ConclusionThere is an increased risk of PCF in patients undergoing primary TEP compared with secondary TEP following chemoradiation. No difference in acquisition of speech fluency was identified between the two groups. Patients undergoing primary TEP achieved fluent speech 62 days sooner than their secondary TEP counterparts.
Outcome of tracheostomy in patients over 85 years old (oldest‐old patients)
Authors: Drendel Michael , Primov‐Fever Adi , Talmi Yoav P. , Roziner Ilan , Wolf Michael , Migirov Lela 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo investigate morbidity, complication rate, and mortality in oldest‐old patients who undergo tracheostomy.Study DesignHistorical cohort study.Subject and MethodsThe medical records for 64 patients (>85 years) who underwent standard or percutaneous tracheostomy between 2001 and 2005 in a tertiary care hospital were reviewed for in‐hospital and out‐of‐hospital mortality, complications, and decannulation rate.ResultsTwenty‐eight (43.8%) patients were discharged from the hospital and all remained tracheotomized at that time. Postoperative mortality had not been related to the procedure itself and the mortality rate reached 75 percent within the first three postoperative months and 93.8 percent within the first year post‐tracheostomy. The post‐tracheostomy course was complicated in three (4.7%) patients. There was no significant correlation between the length of hospital stay or survival and demographic parameters, pneumonia as the reason for mechanical ventilation, or performance of surgery before tracheostomy.ConclusionTracheostomy is a safe surgical procedure in the oldest‐old patients. The high rate of the postoperative mortality is not related to the procedure itself. The possibility of permanent stoma should be considered and discussed with the patients and their families during the preoperative counseling.
Value of the cytological diagnosis in the treatment of parotid tumors
Authors: Jafari Alice , Royer Benedicte , Lefevre Marine , Corlieu Pascal , Périé Sophie , St Guily Jean Lacau 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveA cytological diagnosis is frequently used in the management of parotid tumor to distinguish benign from malignant tumors before surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of the cytological diagnosis in parotid tumors.Study DesignFine‐needle aspiration cytology was performed in 110 patients undergoing a parotidectomy. The results were compared with the definitive histopathological findings, which are considered the standard diagnostic reference for comparative analysis.SettingUniversity hospital.ResultsCorrelation with histopathological results was observed in 83 (82.1%) cases. Discordance was observed in eight (8.2%) cases. The sensitivity and the specificity of the cytological diagnosis in the detection of malignant tumors were 67 and 96 percent, respectively.ConclusionsThe cytological diagnosis performed in parotid tumors permits differentiation of a benign from a malignant tumor in the majority of cases; however, it underestimates the diagnosis of malignant tumors.
Piezosurgery in otologic surgery: Four years of experience
Authors: Salami Angelo , Dellepiane Massimo , Proto Ernesto , Mora Renzo 
Published: February 2009

ObjectivesPiezosurgery (Mectron Medical Technology, Genoa, Italy) is a new ultrasound instrument (24.7‐29.5 kHz) that is able to cut the bone without necrosis and nonmineralized tissues damage. The aim of this work has been to report our experience with the piezoelectric device in otologic surgery.Study DesignWe have used the piezoelectric device in 50 patients affected by otosclerosis, 50 by chronic otitis media, 20 by posttraumatic facial nerve palsy, 10 by type A glomus tympanicum tumor, and in three patients with a B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.Subjects and MethodsPatients underwent platinotomy, mastoidectomy, antroatticotomy, posterior tympanotomy, facial nerve decompression, and excision of middle ear tumors. Before and 6 months after surgery, all the patients underwent the following instrumental examinations: pure‐tone audiometry, tympanometry, transient‐evoked otoacoustic emissions, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response, and electronystamographic recording.ResultsIn each surgical technique, the piezoelectric device provided excellent control without side effects on the adjacent structures of the middle and inner ear.ConclusionsThe piezoelectric device is a new and revolutionary bony scalpel using the microvibrations at ultrasonic frequency so that soft tissue will not be damaged even on accidental contact with the cutting tip; this renders the piezoelectric device ideal for otologic bone surgery.
Petromastoid canal and cochlear aqueduct in cochlear implant candidates
Authors: Migirov Lela , Kronenberg Jona 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo present temporal bone fine channels in cochlear implantation candidates.MethodsReview of the axial sections of 108 temporal bone CTs. In type I, the petromastoid canal (PMC) was invisible but appeared as channels in type II and type III, <0.5 and 0.5‐1 mm wide, respectively, and in type IV was >1 mm wide. The cochlear aqueduct (CA) was visualized up to the vestibule in type 1, the medial two thirds in type 2, the external aperture and/or the medial third in type 3, and was undetectable in type 4.ResultsThe PMC size and shape differed significantly between the young (aged <5 years) and older (aged 5‐16 years) children and between the young children and adults. A wide PMC (>2 mm) was found in only children younger than 2 years. Children up to 2 years of age and those aged 2 to 5 years demonstrated similar findings. The CA types differed among the pediatric and adult CI candidates, with the main difference appearing after the age of 16 years. There was no correlation between CA and PMC types.ConclusionsIt is likely that the age‐related changes in CA and PMC are attributable to the developmental or age‐related changes in skull base growth.
Head and neck dog bites in children
Authors: Monroy Angelo , Behar Philomena , Nagy Mark , Poje Christopher , Pizzuto Michael , Brodsky Linda 
Published: February 2009

Objectives1) Demonstrate patterns of dog bite injury to the head and neck in children. 2) Identify treatment outcomes of dog bite injuries to the head and neck.Study DesignCase series with chart review.Subjects and MethodsChildren aged 0 to 19 years, treated for head and neck dog bites at our tertiary care children's hospital (1999‐2007), were included. Demographics, dog breed and ownership, seasonal incidence, wound location, characteristics, management, and complications were recorded.ResultsEighty‐four children, aged 10 months to 19 years (mean, 6.19 years) underwent primary repair of head and neck dog bite injuries. The cheek (34%) and lips (21%) were involved most commonly. Average wound length was 7.15 cm. Dog bite incidence peaked during summer months. Infection occurred in 10.7 percent. Pulsed dye laser was used to improve cosmesis.ConclusionsChildren are vulnerable to head and neck dog bite injuries. Wound healing is excellent despite a contaminated wound. Infections occur infrequently. Pulsed dye laser improves cosmesis.
Feasibility of balloon dilatation in endoscopic sinus surgery simulator
Authors: Stamm Aldo , Nogueira Joao Flavio , Lyra Macos 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveAssess the feasibility of the use of a life‐size model for ESS to perform balloon catheter dilatation of the paranasal sinus ostia.Study Design and SettingFour validated sinus models were enrolled in this study. One experienced endoscopic surgeon performed all the dilatations of the paranasal sinus ostia. We used the Relieva Sinus Balloon Catheter System (Acclarent, Inc, Menlo Park, CA), and its described technique for fluoroscopic guided sinuplasty.ResultsTwenty‐four ostia were available. All sinuses were successfully catheterized and dilated. The total fluoroscopic time was 18 minutes and 8 seconds (mean, 45.3 seconds per sinus) and the total procedure time was 50 minutes and 56 seconds (mean, 2 minutes and 7 seconds per sinus).ConclusionIt was feasible to perform a successful dilatation of the 24 available sinus ostia of the models: 8 maxillary, frontal and sphenoid. No major technical difficulties were encountered.SignificanceThis model could help surgeons in the training of sinus ostia balloon dilatation.
The imperative of the Sistrunk operation: Review of 160 thyroglossal tract remnant operations
Authors: Hirshoren Nir , Neuman Tzahi , Udassin Raphael , Elidan Josef , Weinberger Jeffrey M. 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveAnalysis of the pre‐ and postoperative features, long‐term follow‐up, and complications.Study Design and MethodsCase series with chart review of 160 thyroglossal tract remnant excisions over a 20‐year period (1988‐2007).ResultsThe mean age of diagnosis was 10.9 ± 14.2 years with 63.8 percent male predominance. There was a prior history of thyroglossal tract remnant infections in 70 percent of patients, and 30 percent presented with cutaneous fistulas. The majority had ultrasound imaging that identified cysts mainly (66.7%) in the infrahyoid region. Preoperative fine‐needle aspirations in 18 patients were benign. On pathological reevaluation, 26.5 percent had thyroid tissue inside the remnant, with one case of papillary carcinoma. After the Sistrunk operation, postoperative complications occurred in 7.5 percent including a 1.9 percent recurrence rate.ConclusionsAll age groups had similar clinical presentations and outcomes. Ultrasound is a reliable and appropriate imaging modality for most patients. Surgery must effectively incorporate the tract and cyst to allow low recurrence rates (<2%). Clinically diagnosed thyroglossal tract remnant may, in fact, be other pathologies in 10 percent of cases. Nevertheless, our recommendation is a Sistrunk procedure for all midline neck lesions suspected to be a thyroglossal tract remnant.
Revisiting the interpretation of positive sinus CT findings: A radiological and symptom‐based review
Authors: Wittkopf Maria L. , Beddow Peter A. , Russell Paul T. , Duncavage James A. , Becker Samuel S. 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveIt is widely believed that a high percentage of normal, healthy patients without sinusitis symptoms have abnormal findings on sinus CT. Experiences of the authors of this study suggest otherwise.Study DesignCross‐sectional survey.Subjects and MethodsHead/sinus CT scans of 50 consecutive patients from each of three study groups were reviewed. Group 1 consisted of patients without any sinus symptoms. Group 2 consisted of patients with acute headache symptoms. Group 3 consisted of patients with complaints consistent with chronic sinusitis. CT scans were evaluated with the Lund‐Mackay scoring system.ResultsIn the asymptomatic patient group (group 1), six (3%) patients had positive sinus CT scan findings, compared with 11 (5.5%) in the acutely symptomatic group (group 2), and 32 (64%) in the chronically symptomatic group (group 3). In the chronically symptomatic group (group 3), 64 percent of patients were allergic compared with 18% of the acute headache group (group 2) and 8 percent of the asymptomatic patient group (group 1).ConclusionResults of this study suggest that symptomatic sinus patients are much more likely to have positive sinus CT scan findings than asymptomatic patients. Conversely, normal healthy patients should not be expected to have abnormal sinus CT scans.
The usefulness of new serum tumor markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Marcos César Álvarez , Martínez Daniel Al Kassam , de los Toyos Juan Ramón , Domínguez Iglesias Francisco , Hermsen Mario , Guervós Marta Alonso , Pendás José Luis Llorente 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo determine the usefulness of specific and reliable serum biomarkers to predict cervical lymph node metastasis.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of cases and controls. Thirty‐nine serum samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were collected from patients during neoplasm resection. Another 10 serum samples were collected from healthy individuals as a control group. Selected serum biomarkers were E‐cadherin, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, active MMP‐13, and p53 autoantibodies.ResultsWe found a correlation between active MMP‐13 (>685 pg/mL; ROC curve analysis 95% CI for sensitivity 79.6‐99.3; specificity 49.2‐95.1; positive predictive value 65‐100; and negative predictive value 36‐100) as well as the presence of p53 autoantibodies and lymph node metastasis. Multimarker analysis using MMP‐13 and p53 autoantibodies together provided better sensitivity (76%) and specificity (100%).ConclusionsThe combined determination of active MMP‐13 and p53 autoantibodies could improve diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and aid therapeutic decision making.
Old welfare state theories and new welfare regimes in Eastern Europe: Challenges and implications
Authors: Aidukaite Jolanta 
Published: February 2009

This paper reviews some theoretical and empirical literature written on welfare state development in post-communist Eastern Europe in the light of the theories and approaches that have been developed to study affluent capitalist democracies. The aim of this discussion is to critically reassess the old welfare state theories, definitions and approaches and their implications regarding the study of post-communist Eastern Europe.
The paper ends with the conclusion that the exclusion of ‘communist’ countries for more than twenty years from welfare state theorising has created an empirical and theoretical gap. This creates fresh challenges for welfare state research and calls for a new paradigm. It is evident that the not so well explored Eastern European region with regards to social policy research suggests that it is necessary not only to test already existing welfare state theories, definitions, typologies and approaches on these countries, but also to advance them.
NILPOTENCY OF THE GROUP OF UNITS OF A FINITE RING
Authors: DOLŽAN DAVID 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this paper we find all finite rings with a nilpotent group of units. It was thought that the answer to this was already given by McDonald in 1974, but as was shown by Groza in 1989, the conclusions that had been reached there do not hold. Here, we improve some results of Groza and describe the structure of an arbitrary finite ring with a nilpotent group of units, thus solving McDonald’s problem.