bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GOfetcher: a database with complex searching facility for gene ontology
Authors: Pirooznia Mehdi , Habib Tanwir , Perkins Edward J. , Deng Youping 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Motivation: An important contribution to the Gene Ontology (GO) project is to develop tools that facilitate the creation, maintenance and use of ontologies. Several tools have been created for communicating and using the GO project. However, a limitation with most of these tools is that they suffer from lack of a comprehensive search facility. We developed a web application, GOfetcher, with a very comprehensive search facility for the GO project and a variety of output formats for the results. GOfetcher has three different levels for searching the GO: ‘Quick Search’, ‘Advanced Search’ and ‘Upload Files’ for searching. The application includes a unique search option which generates gene information given a nucleotide or protein accession number which can then be used in generating GO information. The output data in GOfetcher can be saved into several different formats; including spreadsheet, comma-separated values and the extensible markup language (XML) format. The database is available at http://mcbc.usm.edu/gofetcher/.
Contact: youping.deng@usm.edu or mehdi.pirooznia@usm.edu
ProfDistS: (profile-) distance based phylogeny on sequence—structure alignments
Authors: Wolf Matthias , Ruderisch Benjamin , Dandekar Thomas , Schultz Jörg , Müller Tobias 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMotivation: The Profile Neighbor Joining (PNJ) algorithm as implemented in the software ProfDist is computationally efficient in reconstructing very large trees. Besides the huge amount of sequence data the structure is important in RNA alignment analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction.Results: For this ProfDistS provides a phylogenetic workflow that uses individual RNA secondary structures in reconstructing phylogenies based on sequence-structure alignments—using PNJ with manual or iterative and automatic profile definition. Moreover, ProfDistS can deal also with protein sequences.Availability: ProfDistS is freely available for non-commercial use for Windows, Linux and MAC operating systems at http://profdist.bioapps.biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de.Contact: tobias.mueller@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de; matthias.wolf@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de
Tramadol for Pain Relief in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy: A Comparison with Dextromethorphan
Authors: Ali Sahmeddini Mohammad , Shahrbano Shahbazy , Ulhaq Taregh Shuja 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: Establishment of good analgesia is of major concern in the postoperative period after adenotonsillectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dextromethorphan and tramadol on postoperative pain after adenotonsillectomy in children.Study Design: Randomized study.Methods: Ninety ASA class I, II (children age, 4–10 years) scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were randomized into three groups to receive placebo syrup (control group), 1 mg/kg dose of dextromethorphan cough syrup oral (Dex group) or oral placebo syrup (Tramadol group), 30 minutes before arrival in the operating room. Then during induction of anesthesia group control received 0.9% physiological saline, group Dex received 0.9% physiological saline, group Tramadol (1 mg/kg) of tramadol hyrochloride intravenously, in a total volume of 4 mL. Postoperative analgesic requirements and side effects were recorded. Pain was assessed by face scale every hour up to 6 hours postop.Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, weight, and sex between groups (P > .05). There were statistically significant differences in, pain scores in first time postoperatively and further analgesic requirements (P < .05). All patients in placebo group (100%), two patients in the tramadol group (6.6%), and nine patients in dextromethorphan group (40%) required supplementary meperidine in recovery room. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was 5.5% in the Dextrometorphan group, 10% in the tramadol group, 6.6% in the control group; there was no significant difference between the groups (P > .05).Conclusions: Intravenous tramadol (1 mg/kg) is more suitable than 1 mg/kg dose of dextromethorphancough syrup oral in reducing posttonsillectomy pain in children.
Tracheotomy: Historical Review
Authors: Pratt Loring W. , Ferlito Alfio , Rinaldo Alessandra 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe authors review the ancient history of tracheotomy and bring the subject up to date (2008) by including the modern history of this procedure. In the past 60 years, there have been many advances in the knowledge of respiratory function that have been utilized to expand applications of the tracheotomy procedure. Improvements in the care of tracheotomized patients and the application of modifications in the available variety of tubes and ancillary equipment and procedures have made this a much more effective and widely utilized way of caring for the pulmonary cripple as well as utilizing it in the classical fixed obstruction of the upper airway.
Treatment Responsiveness of the Singing Voice Handicap Index
Authors: Cohen Seth M. , Witsell David L. , Scearce Leda , Vess Gina , Banka Caroline 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To examine the responsiveness of the previously validated Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) to treatment related changes in patients' singing voice.Study Design: Prospective.Methods: Thirty singing patients at a tertiary voice clinic prospectively completed the Voice Handicap Index and SVHI at their initial presentation, pretreatment, and posttreatment.Results: Patients had lower SVHI scores posttherapy compared with the initial SVHI scores (P ≤ .001, paired t‐test). The change in SVHI scores from initial to posttreatment evaluation was greater than the change from initial to pretreatment evaluation (P < .001, paired t‐test). The Spearman correlation of the Voice Handicap Index difference with the SVHI difference before and after treatment was 0.71 (P < .001).Conclusion: The SVHI measures changes in patients' singing vocal health status resulting from treatment and the change correlates with that of other validated instruments.
Ultrasonography: Highly Accuracy Technique for Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Adenoma
Authors: Abboud Bassam , Sleilaty Ghassan , Rabaa Lara , Daher Ronald , Zeid Hicham Abou , Jabbour Hicham , Hachem Kamal , Smayra Tarek 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: This study evaluates the accuracy of ultrasonography in guided unilateral parathyroidectomy to treat primary hyperparathyroidism.Study Design: Retrospective study.Methods: Two hundred fifty‐three patients with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent preoperative ultrasonography. Two groups were defined. Group 1 included the patients in whom the preoperative cervical ultrasound localized one abnormal parathyroid gland; these patients underwent unilateral surgical exploration of the neck under local anesthesia. Group 2 included the patients who had a bilateral neck exploration under general anesthesia when the preoperative examination was equivocal or failed to localize the lesion, when concomitant thyroid pathology indicated thyroidectomy, and when justified by the surgical findings.Results: Sensitivity and positive predictive value of ultrasonography in detecting abnormal parathyroid gland were 96% and 98%, respectively. Cervical ultrasound correctly identified, 96% and 85% of abnormal glands in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The presence of thyroid nodular disease did not affect ultrasonographic accuracy. Sonographic examination decreased the operative time of parathyroidectomy to an average of 15 minutes. Mediastinal and retroesophageal localizations of abnormal parathyroid gland adversely affected the accuracy of the ultrasound. No cervical hematoma was noted. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in four patients. Twenty‐three patients required postoperative calcium supplementation for 2 to 4 months, and all were normocalcemic at follow‐up.Conclusions: Cervical ultrasound is a reliable preoperative exploration allowing parathyroidectomy via unilateral approach under local anesthesia.
Audiological Application Criteria for Implantable Hearing Aid Devices: A Clinical Experience at the Nijmegen ORL Clinic
Authors: Verhaegen Veronique J. O. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M. , Cremers Cor W. R. J. , Snik Ad F. M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To define audiological application criteria for different implantable hearing aid devices.Study Design: Retrospective study.Methods: Comparisons were made between aided speech recognition scores obtained at conversational level (65 dB) in patients with the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) (n = 22), the Otologics middle ear transducer (MET) (n = 10), conventional hearing aids (behind‐the‐ears) (n = 47), and cochlear implants (CIs) (n = 123).Results: In relation to hearing loss, only for mild hearing loss, speech recognition scores with VSB were comparable to that with conventional hearing aids. In the Otologics MET users, speech recognition scores were comparable with those of the conventional hearing aid users until a mean hearing loss of about 75 dB HL. At a sensorineural hearing loss of about 65 dB HL or more, the Otologics MET users have better speech recognition scores than the VSB users. For comparison with CI users, we followed a more conservative approach. In 90% of the users of a CI, speech recognition scores were better than those in: 1) patients with a conventional hearing aid and a mean hearing loss of about 95 dB HL or worse; 2) patients with an Otologics MET and a mean hearing loss of 85 dB HL or worse.Conclusions: Patients fitted with a VSB or an Otologics MET middle ear implant do not demonstrate better speech recognition scores than patients fitted with today's conventional hearing aids. Results might even been worse. However, the VSB and Otologics MET are a good option in patients with moderate (VSB) to severe (Otologics MET) sensorineural hearing loss and external otitis.
Neck Nerve Trunks Schwannomas: Clinical Features and Postoperative Neurologic Outcome
Authors: de Araujo Carlos Eugenio Nabuco , Ramos Daniel M. , Moyses Raquel A. , Durazzo Marcelo D. , Cernea Cláudio R. , Ferraz Alberto R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To analyze clinical and epidemiological features of neck nerve schwannomas, with emphasis on the neurologic outcome after surgical excision sparing as much of nerve fibers as possible with enucleation technique.Study Design: Retrospective study.Methods: Review of medical records from 1987 to 2006 of patients with neck nerve schwannomas, treated in a single institution.Results: Twenty‐two patients were identified. Gender distribution was equal and age ranged from 15 to 61 years (mean: 38.6 years). Seven vagal, four brachial plexus, four sympathetic trunk, three cervical plexus, and two lesions on other sites could be identified. Most common symptom was neck mass. Local or irradiated pain also occurred in five cases. Median growing rate of tumors was 3 mm per year. Nerve paralysis was noted twice (a vagal schwannoma and a hypoglossal paralysis compressed by a vagal schwannoma). Different techniques were employed, and seven out of nine patients kept their nerve function (78%) after enucleation. No recurrence was observed in follow‐up.Conclusions: Schwannomas should be treated surgically because of its growing potential, leading to local and neural compression symptoms. When possible, enucleation, which was employed in 10 patients of this series, is the recommended surgical option, allowing neural function preservation or restoration in most instances. This is especially important in the head and neck, where denervation may have a significant impact on the quality of life.
Galectin‐3 Upregulation During Tumor Progression in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Saussez Sven , Decaestecker Christine , Mahillon Virginie , Cludts Stéphanie , Capouillez Aurélie , Chevalier Dominique , Vet Herbert Kaltner , André Sabine , Toubeau Gérard , Leroy Xavier , Gabius Hans‐Joachim 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To examine the level of expression of galectin‐3 in relation to neoplastic progression of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (HSCCs) and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs).Study Design: Retrospective study.Methods: Using a polyclonal antibody against galectin‐3 without cross‐reactivity to other galectins, we analyzed the presence of galectin‐3 using quantitative immunohistochemistry in i) a series of 79 HSCCs compared with 16 normal epithelia, 20 low‐grade dysplasia (Low_D) and 25 high‐grade dysplasia (High_D) and in ii) a series of 58 LSCCs compared with 34 normal epithelia, 12 Low_D, and 18 High_D. In parallel, galectin‐3 expression was studied using Western blotting on a series of 19 fresh biopsies from patients presenting a head and neck tumor.Results: Western blotting excluded a notable degree of proteolytic truncation of galectin‐3 in situ. Immunohistochemical galectin‐3 positivity expressed as percentage of cells was significantly higher in LSCCs and HSCCs than in Low_D (P = .01) or High_D (P = .0002), respectively. Increased expression of galectin‐3 in HSCCs was accompanied by a shift from the cytoplasmic compartment to the nucleus (P = .007). In intertumor‐type comparison, laryngeal carcinomas presented nuclear presence of galectin‐3 only rarely (1 of 58 cases in laryngeal cancer vs. 27 of 79 cases in hypopharyngeal cancer, P = .00006) and a comparatively low labeling index (P < 10−6).Conclusions: Our data reveal an association between level of presence of galectin‐3 and neoplastic progression of HSCCs and LSCCs.
Endoscopic Arytenoid Lateropexy for Isolated Posterior Glottic Stenosis
Authors: Rovó László , Venczel Kincsõ , Torkos Attila , Majoros Valéria , Sztanó Balázs , Jóri József 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: A posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) may limit the abduction of the arytenoid cartilages. One option for the treatment of dyspnea in lower grade stenoses is endoscopic laterofixation of the vocal cords after scar excision. In our prospective study, we assess a refined method for effective endoscopic mobilization and lateropexy of the arytenoid cartilages.Study Design and Methods: Thirty‐two consecutive patients with PGS underwent surgery. Endoscopically, the scar between the arytenoid cartilages was transected with a CO2 laser. The scars that had spread into the cricoarytenoid joint were transected with a right‐angled endolaryngeal scythe designed for this purpose. The lateropexy of the adequately mobilized arytenoid cartilages was performed with a reinforced Lichtenberger's needle carrier instrument, with consideration of the real abduction of the cricoarytenoid joint.Results: Twenty‐eight patients achieved an excellent breathing ability, only effort dyspnea remained in three cases. One patient could not be decannulated due to aspiration. The early postoperative improvement in the airway function test results showed no relationship with the grade of stenoses. However, in cases of higher grade stenoses with bilateral joint damage, the later postoperative airway function results had decreased slightly. In 25 cases, phonation significantly improved after the removal of the fixing sutures.Conclusions: After proper mobilization, endoscopic arytenoid lateropexy can be considered as a minimally invasive function‐preserving procedure even for severe PGS. This treatment option provides stable improvements in breathing ability and good voice quality without the need for tracheostomy.
Salvage Laryngectomy for Failed Conservative Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Young VyVy N. , Mangus Brannon D. , Bumpous Jeffrey M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To determine the rate of salvage laryngectomy after failure of radiation or chemoradiation over 10‐year course, identify factors associated with increased risk of treatment failure, assess survival after salvage laryngectomy.Study Design: Retrospective review.Methods: Twenty patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy were studied. Overall interval to recurrence (ITR) was 9.9 months, overall postsalvage‐laryngectomy survival (PSL‐OAS) 25 months, and interval to death (PSL‐ITD) 15.8 months. Mortality was 85%.Results: Four patients failed chemoradiation and 16 failed radiation alone. Based on treatment, there was no difference in ITR (12.8 vs. 8.8 months, P = .27) or PSL‐OAS (27.5 vs. 24.4 months, P = .86). PSL‐ITD was significantly higher after chemoradiation (27.5 vs. 12.2 months, P = .02). Advanced T‐stage patients were significantly younger than early‐stage (53 vs. 64 years, P = .02), but had no significant difference in ITR (12.7 vs. 6.8 months, P = .08), PSL‐OAS (20.1 vs. 33.6 months, P = .35), or PSL‐ITD (12 vs. 21.6 months, P = .1). Analysis by site and differentiation showed no significant differences. Heavy alcohol use/alcoholism was reported in >50%. Rate of fistulization was 20%. Three patients currently survive, with average postsalvage‐laryngectomy disease‐free survival (PSL‐DFS) 77 months.Conclusions: Salvage laryngectomy is an uncommon procedure (7% over 10‐year period). There is no difference in survival after salvage laryngectomy for radiation or chemoradiation failure. Patients failing chemoradiation have longer PSL‐ITD than those failing radiation alone. Patients with T3–4 tumors tend to be younger. T‐stage of tumor does not affect rate of salvage procedure. Fistulae formed in 20%. Neither location nor differentiation affects survival. Surgical salvage after primary conservative treatment is associated with an approximately 2‐year survival.
Disease‐Associated Novel CD46 Splicing Variants and Pathologic Bone Remodeling in Otosclerosis
Authors: Karosi Tamás , Szalmás Anita , Csomor Péter , Kónya József , Petkó Mihály , Sziklai István 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: Otosclerotic bone is supposed to show unique CD46 expression pattern because otosclerosis is an organ‐specific disease with viral etiology.Study Design: Otosclerosis is a complex bone remodeling disorder of the human otic capsule, which is associated with persisting measles virus infection. The general cellular receptor of measles virus is the CD46, which has 14‐known splicing isoforms.Methods: Nucleic acid was extracted from ankylotic stapes footplates (N = 99) removed during stapedectomies. Consecutive histological, CD46 specific immunohistologic analysis, and multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications were performed. Measles virus was detected by seminested reverse transcriptase‐PCR. Splicing variants of CD46 were identified by nested reverse transcriptase‐PCR and finally determined by mass sequencing of complementary DNA.Results: Measles virus RNA was detectable only in histologically otosclerotic stapes footplates. Virus negative‐fixed stapes represent degenerative disorders of variable histopathology. Otosclerosis is featured by an increased number of osteoclasts showing strong CD46 immunoreaction in contrast to nonotosclerotic stapes fixations. Normal and nonotosclerotic stapes footplates show consistent expression of “c,” “d,” “e,” “f,” and “l” CD46 splicing isoforms. In contrast, four novel CD46 splicing variants were additionally detected in otosclerosis: os1, os2, os3, and os4.Conclusions: Newly described CD46 isoforms have shorter or missing transmembrane domain and a rare cytoplasmic tail with pathological or uncommon signal transduction; however, virus binding ability remains equal and invariable. These changes may be responsible for the smooth virus replication. A special expression pattern and altered functions of CD46 could explain the organ‐specific and virus‐associated pathogenesis of otosclerosis.
Spontaneous Nasal Septal Perforation With Antiangiogenic Bevacizumab Therapy
Authors: Burkart Collin M. , Grisel Jedidiah J. , Hom David B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOtolaryngologists should be made aware of a newer cause of nasal septal perforations resulting from the more recent antiangiogenic therapy used to treat malignancies. This case describes a 52‐year‐old white woman who developed a spontaneous nasal septal perforation after given the antiangiogenic drug, bevacizumab, for metastatic ovarian cancer treatment. Bevacizumab is a recently developed monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor used to inhibit angiogenesis. The patient was ultimately treated with a nasal septal button with good symptom relief. This case documents the first report in the otolaryngology literature describing this new etiology for nasal septal perforations.
The impact of water quality and availability on food production
Authors: Manning Louise 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review the issues surrounding water security in terms of quantity and quality and its impact on food availability.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved an examination and evaluation of existing literature so that the key elements of a water security policy model could be determined.FindingsWater demand and availability is multifaceted and the degree of water security can be determined at a personal, national or international level. One of the key drivers of water security is the current and continued ability of water resources to meet the often conflicting needs of domestic supply, food production and amenity uses, including the requirement to irrigate food production areas in order to improve food yields and feed the growing global human population and mitigate the impact of any environmental change.Originality/valueThis paper provides an overview of the subject of water security and therefore will be of value to policy makers, academics or those developing environmental risk management strategies for organisations within the food supply chain.
Older people's perceptions towards conventional and functional yoghurts through the repertory grid method
Authors: Messina Federico , Saba Anna , Turrini Aida , Raats Monique , Lumbers Margaret , in Later Life Team Food 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate older people's perceptions, across eight European countries (the UK, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Italy), towards functional foods.Design/methodology/approachThe repertory grid method was used to elicit reasons underlying preferences of five yoghurts with different functional properties and two conventional ones.FindingsFamiliarity was the key driver in products' separation. For the Italian case, as well as the Spanish, Portuguese, Danish and Swedish the first principal axis could be interpreted as novel‐common axis, whilst it was not in the UK, Germany and Poland.Research limitations/implicationsBehavioural intention to buy functional yoghurts was more strongly predicted and moderated by single item perceived need (PN) than single item affective and/or cognitive attitude (AA, CA), even though PN, AA and CA could be consistently assessed within the same latent measure (in all countries but Denmark). Nevertheless, beliefs/attitudes towards a novel category of products such as functional foods may be reasonably keeping moving.Originality/valueIn this study, preference instructions pertaining to beneficial and imagery attributes, revealed idiosyncratic properties associated with functional yoghurts across eight European samples of older people.