bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superior Canal Dehiscence Plugging Reduces Dizziness Handicap
Authors: Crane Benjamin T. , Minor Lloyd B. , Carey John P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To compare dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) scores before and after surgery for plugging of superior canal dehiscence (SCD). The size of the dehiscence as measured during surgery, subject age, vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials threshold, and degree of conductive hearing loss (CHL) were also considered.Study Design: Retrospective.Methods: Nineteen adults with SCD who underwent surgery to plug the SCD via middle fossa approach were studied. Pre‐ and postoperative DHI scores were compared, and correlations between DHI scores and other clinical measures were assessed.Results: Average preoperative DHI score was 44 ± 24 (mean ± SD). Postoperative DHI score was significantly lower at 18 ± 15 (P < .01). Only two subjects had a higher DHI score after surgery. Subjects who had a preoperative DHI score below 30 did not have any significant change in their DHI score after surgery, whereas those with a preoperative DHI score ≥30 had an improvement by an average of 39 ± 16 after surgery. There were no correlations between either preoperative DHI score or the change in DHI score after surgery and HL, age, vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials threshold, or dehiscence size.Conclusions: DHI scores significantly decreased after SCD plugging. Subjects who had the largest decrease in DHI scores were those with high preoperative DHI scores. Subjects who chose to undergo SCD plugging because of nonvestibular symptoms such as conductive HL, tinnitus, or autophony generally had lower preoperative DHI scores and did not experience large improvements in DHI scores. The SCD plugging procedure offers an improvement in DHI score that is comparable with that of other procedures for peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
Need for Neck Dissection After Radiochemotherapy? A Study of the French GETTEC Group
Authors: Vedrine Pierre‐Olivier , Thariat Juliette , Hitier Martin , Janot François , Kaminsky Marie‐Christine , Makeieff Marc , De Raucourt Dominique , Lapeyre Michel , Toussaint Bruno 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground/Hypothesis: The need for a neck dissection after radiochemotherapy (RCT) for patients with unresectable cancer of the head and neck remains questionable. We evaluated our strategy to perform a neck dissection in patients with a controlled primary tumor based on the response to RCT according to regional control, survival rates, and morbidity.Study Design: The French “Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs de la Tête et du Cou” (GETTEC) group retrospectively performed a multicenter review. One hundred and three stage III (N = 7) or IV (N = 96) patients with unresectable primary tumors and node‐positive disease and no distant metastases treated between 1996 and 2002. Tumors were considered unresectable or with poor surgical curability based on advanced stage, or patients were surgically unfit for medical reasons.Results: With a median follow‐up of 30 months, the complete clinical and radiological nodal response rate was 61%. Among 39% (N = 40) of patients with residual neck disease, 70% (N = 28) underwent a neck dissection, whereas the remaining 30% either underwent watchful follow‐up for probable scary nodes, or were deemed unresectable or medically unfit for surgery. Half of the neck dissection specimens showed pathological evidence of viable tumor. Grade 3 to 4 complications were recorded in four patients (14%) after neck dissection. Regional control was better for complete responders. Disease‐free survival and overall survival were similar between patients with a complete response in the neck and no neck dissection, and patients with a neck dissection for residual neck disease.Conclusions: The strategy to avoid a neck dissection is safe in patients with a complete response in the neck, regardless of initial nodal stage. In patients with residual neck disease, postRCT neck dissection can be performed with limited morbidity. Progress is warranted to optimize the pathological response in the nodes and to better assess ambiguous nodal responses with multi‐modal imaging.
Effects of a Low Concentration Hypochlorous Acid Nasal Irrigation Solution on Bacteria, Fungi, and Virus
Authors: Kim Hyun Jik , Lee Jeung‐Gweon , Kang Ju Wan , Cho Hyung‐Ju , Kim Hyun Su , Byeon Hyung Kwon , Yoon Joo‐Heon 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Saline irrigation would be more effective for chronic sinusitis patients if it had bactericidal effects. Low concentrations of hypochlorous acid may be used as a nasal irrigation solution. First, we developed a 0.85% NaCl solution by adding NaCl to tap water (pH 7.0 and 8.4) and measuring the concentration of free chlorine and hypochlorous acid after giving the solution a short electrical impulse of 20 seconds. Then we investigated whether the derived hypochlorous acid had a toxic effect on human primary nasal epithelial cells, if and what effect it had on the expression of mucin genes, and, finally, if it had bactericidal, fungicidal, or virucidal effects.Study Design: In vitro biochemical experiment.Methods: We treated human primary nasal epithelial cells with 3.5 ppm of hypochlorous acid and then examined the cells for cytotoxicity. We also investigated the bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal effects by challenging the cells with the following microorganisms Aspergillus fumigatus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Rhizopus oryzae, Candida albicans, Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes. To study the virucidal effects of HOCl, we used the human influenza A virus to challenge the cells.Results: In the cytotoxicity assay and in the morphological examination, the cells did not show anytoxicity at 30 minute or 2 hours after treatment with HOCl. More than 99% of bactericidal or fungicidal activity was noted for all species, except for Candida albicans, in tap water at either pH 7.0 or 8.4. In addition, a 3.2‐log10 reduction was achieved in cells challenged with the human influenza A virus.Conclusions: A low concentration HOCl solution can be used as an effective nasal irrigation solution.
The Impact of Surgery in the Management of the Head and Neck Carcinoma Involving the Carotid Artery
Authors: Ozer Enver , Agrawal Amit , Ozer Hatice G. , Schuller David E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To demonstrate the feasibility of the carotid artery dissection and/or resection and reanastomosis, and to show its positive impact on survival and disease control rates for the head and neck carcinomas involving the carotid artery.Study Design: Tertiary center (Comprehensive Cancer Center). Case series review.Methods: The data of 90 patients with head and neck malignancies involving the carotid artery were operated for the carotid artery dissection and/or resection, and reanastomosis in the last 10 years were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.Results: Eighty (89%) of the 90 patients' head and neck malignancies were squamous cell carcinoma. Fifty‐two (65%) and 28 (35%) of 80 patients were recurrent and stage IV disease, respectively. There was no stage I to III disease. Carotid artery was dissected and preserved in 64 (71.1%) of the 90 patients. Eighteen (20%) of 90 patients needed carotid artery dissection with resection and reanastomosis. Eight (8.9%) patients were unresectable. Sixty (75%) of 80 patients needed reconstruction with regional or free flaps and grafts. Overall 2‐ and 5‐year estimated survivals were 32.4% and 27.8% for all; 14.3% and 10.7% for recurrent; 64.3% and 57.8% for stage IV previously untreated; and 22.0% and 22.0% for carotid artery resected‐reanastomosed patients, respectively.Conclusions: The carotid artery dissection without resection is an achievable goal in majority of patients with the advanced stage head and neck carcinoma involving the carotid artery. Resection and reanastomosis of carotid artery, especially in the previously untreated carotid involved patients, is a feasible surgery and achieves better survival and disease control rates when compared with the unresected or recurrent disease patients.
Evidence of Vestibular and Balance Dysfunction in Children With Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss Using Cochlear Implants
Authors: Cushing Sharon L. , Papsin Blake C. , Rutka John A. , James Adrian L. , Gordon Karen A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Similarities between the peripheral auditory and vestibular systems suggest that children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) may demonstrate vestibular and balance impairments. This hypothesis was studied in 40 children with severe to profound SNHL and unilateral cochlear implants.Study Design: Prospective cross‐sectional study with repeated measures.Methods: Vestibular function was assessed with caloric, rotational, and vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing; balance was assessed using the balance subset of the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency‐II, a standardized test of static and dynamic balance.Results: Horizontal semicircular canal function was abnormal in response to a caloric stimulus in 50% (16/32), with a large proportion of those [6/16 (38%)] reflecting mild to moderate unilateral abnormalities. In comparison, horizontal semicircular canal function in response to rotation was abnormal in 38% (14/37). Saccular function was absent bilaterally in 5/26 (19%) and unilaterally in 5/26 (19%) with vestibular evoked myogenic potential. Age standardized balance abilities were significantly poorer in the study population [μ = 12.9 ± 5(SD)] compared with normal hearing controls [μ = 17 ± 5(SD); P = .0006] and correlated best with horizontal canal function in response to a rotational stimulus (P = .004; R2 = 0.24). SNHL from meningitis was associated with worse balance function than other etiologies.Conclusions: Vestibular and balance dysfunction occurred in >1/3 of children with SNHL and cochlear implants, and is highly dependent on etiology. Although compliance with all tests was high, rotational chair testing, which assesses higher frequency motion (0.25–5 Hz) and thus more “real world” vestibular function, correlated best with dynamic balance. For this reason, rotational chair testing may represent the test of choice in this population, particularly given that it is amenable to testing children of all ages.
Facial Nerve Sacrifice and Radiotherapy in Parotid Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Iseli Tim A. , Karnell Lucy H. , Preston Todd W. , Graham Scott M. , Funk Gerry F. , Buatti John M. , Gupta Anjali K. , Robinson Robert A. , Hoffman Henry T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the impact of facial nerve sacrifice and postoperative radiotherapy on the outcome of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland.Study Design: Inception cohort.Methods: Retrospective review of Department of Pathology, SNOMED database, and Tumor Registry including health‐related quality of life data for the subset enrolled in the longitudinal Outcomes Assessment Project. Fisher exact, χ2, and Wilcoxon tests were used to determine significant differences.Results: Fifty‐two cases (follow‐up mean: 9.1 years, range: 0.5–40.8 years) demonstrated local control rates of 84.6% (5 years), 76.9% (10 years), and 50% (20 years). Compared with facial nerve preservation, facial nerve sacrifice had better control at 5 years (100 vs. 78.9% P = .259) while having detrimental effects on eating, speech, and esthetics. Local control at 5 years was significantly better (P = .048) with postoperative radiotherapy (100%) than without (84.6%). Overall survival was 79.4% (5 years), 50% (10 years), and 32.3% (20 years). At 10 years, there was a trend toward improved survival with facial nerve sacrifice (58.8 vs. 46.8%, P = .569) and postoperative radiotherapy (62.4 vs. 39.3%, P = .409). Eleven patients with lung metastases survived an average of 67.8 months after metastases were identified. Only 4 of 46 patients N0 patients (8.3%) subsequently developed lymph node metastases.Conclusion: Selective facial nerve sacrifice was associated with trends toward improved local control and survival but worse quality of life. Patients managed with postoperative radiotherapy had better local control rates than those without. N0 patients rarely developed metastases to regional lymph nodes.
Size-structured risk assessments govern
Daphnia
migration
Authors: Hansson Lars-Anders , Hylander Samuel 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
One of the more fascinating phenomena in nature is animal mass migrations and in oceans and freshwaters, diel variations in depth distribution of zooplankton are a phenomenon that has intrigued scientists for more than a century. In our study, we show that zooplankton are able to assess the threat level of ultraviolet radiation and adjust their depth distribution to this level at a very fine tuned scale. Moreover, predation risk induces a size-structured depth separation, such that small individuals, which we show are less vulnerable to predation than larger, make a risk assessment and continue feeding in surface waters during day, offering a competitive release from down-migrating larger animals. Hence, we mechanistically show that such simple organisms as invertebrate zooplankton are able to make individual, size-specific decisions regarding how to compromise between threats from both predators and UV radiation, and adjust their diel migratory patterns accordingly.
On the origin of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Ryde Felix 
Published: September 2008

Gamma-ray bursts are the most energetic explosions in the Universe, occurring at cosmological distances. The initial phase of the emission from these bursts is predominantly of gamma rays and stems from a highly relativistic outflow. The nature of this emission is still under debate. Here, I present the interpretation that the peak in the photon spectrum can be attributed to the black-body emission of the photosphere of the outflow, having a temperature of approximately 10
9
K. An additional non-thermal spectral component can be attributed to additional dissipation of the kinetic energy in the outflow. This two-component model can be well fitted to most
instantaneous
spectra. Interestingly, the thermal component exhibits a recurring behaviour over emission pulse structures. Both the temperature and the energy flux vary as broken power laws. During the pre-break phase, the temperature is approximately constant while the energy flux rises. Furthermore, the ratio of the observed thermal flux to the emergent flux increases as a power law over the whole pulse. It is argued that these observations hold the key to our understanding of the prompt emission and the properties of the site from which it emanates.
Biochemical Characterization ofArabidopsisComplexes Containing CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 and SUPPRESSOR OF PHYA Proteins in Light Control of Plant Development
Authors: Zhu Danmeng , Maier Alexander , Lee Jae-Hoon , Laubinger Sascha , Saijo Yusuke , Wang Haiyang , Qu Li-Jia , Hoecker Ute , Deng Xing Wang 
Published: September 2008

AbstractCOP1 (for CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1) and the four partially redundant SPA (for SUPPRESSOR OF PHYA) proteins work in concert to repress photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by targeting key transcription factors and phytochrome A for degradation via the 26S proteasome. Here, we report a detailed biochemical characterization of the SPA-COP1 complexes. The four endogenous SPA proteins can form stable complexes with COP1 in vivo regardless of light conditions but exhibit distinct expression profiles in different tissues and light conditions. The SPA proteins can self-associate or interact with each other, forming a heterogeneous group of SPA-COP1 complexes in which the exact SPA protein compositions vary depending on the abundance of individual SPA proteins. The four SPA proteins could be divided into two functional groups depending on their interaction affinities, their regulation of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 degradation, and their opposite effects on COP1 protein accumulation. Loss-of-function mutations in a predominant SPA protein may cause a significant reduction in the overall SPA-COP1 E3 ligase activity, resulting in a partial constitutive photomorphogenic phenotype. This study thus provides an in-depth biochemical view of the SPA-COP1 E3 ligase complexes and offers new insights into the molecular basis for their distinct roles in the light control of plant development.
A taxonomic study on erysipelothrix by DNA‐DNA hybridization experiments with numerous strains isolated from extensive origins
Authors: Takahashi Toshio , Fujisawa Tomohiko , Umeno Annu , Kozasa Takashi , Yamamoto Kinya , Sawada Takuo 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to clarify the taxonomic relationship between all the serovars and species of the genus Erysipelothrix by performing DNA‐DNA hybridization experiments, the customary criterion for separation of bacterial genospecies. A total of 93 strains were isolated from a wide variety of sources, including pigs affected with acute or chronic erysipelas, other diseased animals, healthy animals, fish, retail meats, and environmental materials from throughout the world during the period 1958 to 1996. The present data on phenotypic characterization and DNA relatedness values demonstrate that 24 strains (96%) of E. tonsillarum are avirulent for swine, whereas 39 strains (66%) of genomic E. rhusiopathiae induced generalized or local urticarial lesion in swine after intradermal inoculation. This observation suggests that genomic E. tonsillarum has little etiological significance. Three minor groups contained several strains which exhibited minimal association with each type strain of E. rhusiopathiae and E. tonsillarum. In conclusion, it was confirmed that members of the E. rhusiopathiae and E. tonsillarum groups resemble each other in regard to many phenotypic characteristics, but differ in their ability to produce acid from saccharose and in their pathogenicity for swine. The genus Erysipelothrix certainly contains two main species: E. rhusiopathiae and E. tonsillarum.
Isolation of tetracycline‐resistant clinical Helicobacter pylori without mutations in 16S rRNA gene in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Rasel , Nahar Shamsun , Mukhopadhyay Asish K. , Berg Douglas E. , Ahmad Mian Mashhud , Okamoto Keinosuke , Nair G. Balakrish , Rahman Motiur 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of 16S rRNA gene mutations associated with resistance to tetracycline in H. pylori isolated in Bangladesh was investigated. Tetracycline susceptibility was determined by the agar dilution method. The 16S rRNA genes of these isolates were sequenced and analyzed. A tetracycline accumulation assay was performed. DNA sequence and transformation tests of nine tetracycline‐resistant (MIC = 2 μg/ml) Bangladeshi H. pylori clinical isolates showed that in no case was the resistance due to mutations in the 16S rRNA gene, the only known cause of tetracycline resistance in this pathogen. Tetracycline accumulation assays implicated altered uptake or efflux.
Diversity of laccase among Cryptococcus neoformans serotypes
Authors: Ito‐Kuwa Shoko , Nakamura Kenjirou , Valderrama Brenda , Aoki Shigeji , Vidotto Valerio , Osafune Tetsuaki 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe pathogenic yeast C. neoformans is classified into three varieties with five serotypes; var. grubii (serotype A), var. neoformans (serotype D), var. gattii (serotypes B and C), and serotype AD. Melanin is a virulence factor in the species, and its biosynthesis is catalyzed by laccase, encoded by the LAC1 gene. In order to estimate the natural variability of the LAC1 gene among Cryptococcus serotypes, the laccase protein sequence from 55 strains was determined and the phylogenetic relationships between cryptococcal and related fungal laccases revealed. The deduced laccase proteins consisted of 624 amino acid residues in serotypes A, D and AD, and 613 to 615 residues in serotypes B and C. Intra‐serotype amino acid variation was marginal within serotypes A and D, and none was found within serotypes AD and C. Maximum amino acid replacement occurred in two serotype B strains. The similarity in the deduced sequence ranged from 80 to 96% between serotypes. The sequence in the copper‐binding regions was strongly conserved in the five serotypes. The laccases of the five serotypes were grouped together in the same clade of the phylogenetic tree reconstructed from different fungal laccases, suggesting a monophyletic clade.
Decreased interferon‐α production and impaired regulatory function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells induced by the hepatitis C virus NS 5 protein
Authors: Amjad Muhammad , Abdel‐Haq Nahed , Faisal Muhammad , Kamal Mustafa , Moudgal Varsha 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTpDC are known to produce large amount of IFN‐α/β in response to viruses, and act as a major link between the innate and adaptive immune response. This study concentrated on the interaction of human peripheral blood derived pDC with HCV NS3, NS4, and NS5 proteins, and their maturation, cytokine secretion and functional properties. It was shown that HCV NS5 interferes with CD40L induced maturation of pDC as indicated by decreased expression of CD83 and CD86 markers. CpG ODN stimulated HCV NS3 and NS5 treated pDC showed decreased production of IFN‐α. In the case of NS3, IFN‐α production was reduced to 126 pg/ml as compared to 245 pg/ml in controls (P < 0.01), and with NS5, IFN‐α production was reduced to 92 pg/ml as compared to 238 pg/ml in controls (P < 0.05). In the presence of HCV NS5, the T cell stimulatory capacity of pDC was impaired, as indicated by decreased proliferation of T cells, and decreased production by the T cells of IFN‐γ, which were down to 86 pg/ml as compared to 260 pg/ml in controls (P < 0.05). These results suggest that HCV NS5 impairs pDC function and is in agreement with several other in vivo studies indicating decreased numbers of, and dysfunctional pDC, in chronic HCV infected patients.
Predictive value of MMP‐7 expression for response to chemotherapy and survival in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Tiantuo , Li Xiaodong , Huang Jing , Wu Benquan , Huang Xubing , Zhou Yuqi , Zhu Jiaxin , Hou Jinghui 
Published: September 2008

Fundamental studies have suggested that matrix metalloproteinases‐7 (MMP‐7) expression is associated with chemoresistance and constitutes a prognostic factor in several solid tumors. The present study assessed the prognostic and predictive value of MMP‐7 in tumors of patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy. In total, 159 patients with stage III and IV NSCLC were retrospectively enrolled. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of MMP‐7, apoptosis‐related proteins Bcl‐2, Bax, Fas and FasL and the Ki‐67 proliferation marker. The TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labeling) method was performed to investigate tumor apoptosis. Ninety carcinomas (56.6%) were identified as high expression of MMP‐7. Overexpression of MMP‐7 was more frequent in adenocarcinomas than in squamous cell carcinomas (P = 0.032). The expression of MMP‐7 was positively related with Ki‐67 index and Bcl‐2, but not apoptosis index. MMP‐7 status was correlated inversely with response to chemotherapy in overall patients (response rates, 20.0% and 35.8%, for patients with high‐MMP‐7 and low‐MMP‐7 tumors, respectively, P = 0.036), especially in adenocarcinoma (P = 0.021), but not in patients with squamous cell carcinomas (P = 0.373). The overall survival was significantly lower in NSCLC patients with high MMP‐7 than in those with low MMP‐7 (P < 0.001). A Cox regression analyses also demonstrated MMP‐7 status to be a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 5.49; P = 0.001). These findings suggest that the expression level of MMP‐7 in tumor cells is predictive of response to chemotherapy and outcome in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving platinum‐based chemotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2185–2192)