bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life After Facial Nerve Repair
Authors: Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Straesser Arianna , Streppel Michael 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: Analyze the postoperative quality of life (QoL) in patients after surgical nerve repair for facial nerve lesion.Study Design: Descriptive study using questionnaire data and medical chart review.Methods: Forty‐nine patients answered the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) questionnaires QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐HN35, and a modification of the Acoustic Neuroma Hospital of Norway Survey. Facial function was self‐evaluated by the patients using the House‐Brackmann (HB) scale and the Stennert index (SI). The questionnaire data were analyzed in relation to the medical chart data.Results: The follow‐up time ranged from 12 to 202 months. The underlying disease was benign in 34 (61%) patients and malignant in 15 (39%) patients. Facial nerve repair was successful in all patients, with a mean HB scale of 3.1, a mean SI of 4.9, and a mean May grading of 2.7. The facial function self‐evaluation was not significantly different. Seventy‐five percent of the patients were satisfied with the operation. The SF‐36 demonstrated a significantly lower social functioning, emotional role, general mental health, and vitality lower than in the normal German population. In the EORTC QLQ C30, emotional function was low and the insomnia rate high. EORTC QLQ HN35 showed a high rate of trouble with social eating, less sexuality, problems opening mouth, and weight gain problems. Age 45 years or older, female sex, May grading 3 or greater, SI self‐assessment 5 or greater, HB self‐assessment greater than 2 had a significant negative effect on some QoL items, but not factors such as type or histology of the disease or delayed reconstruction.Conclusions: Although grading of facial function after nerve repair revealed satisfying results, the patients experience a reduced QoL.
New Perspectives for Middle Ear Implants: First Results in Otosclerosis With Mixed Hearing Loss
Authors: Venail Frederic , Lavieille Jean Pierre , Meller Renaud , Deveze Arnaud , Tardivet Laurent , Magnan Jacques 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMiddle ear implantation is an efficient procedure to restore moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss (HL) in selected patients. Implantation of such devices requires ossicular chain integrity. Patients suffering from otosclerosis with mixed HL should be eligible for this treatment after stapes surgery with air‐bone gap closure. To address this issue, we report four cases of middle ear implantation after or during stapes surgery. Results and complications obtained with Vibrant SoundBridge, MedEl and Middle Ear Transducer, Otologics are reported. Audiologic results were similar to those obtained in cases of sensorineural HL. One case of postoperative labyrinthitis was observed.
Prevalence and Etiology of Hearing Loss in Rural Nicaraguan Children
Authors: Saunders James E. , Vaz Sharon , Greinwald John H. , Lai James , Morin Leonor , Mojica Karen 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: The prevalence and causes of pediatric hearing loss (HL) in the developing world are largely unknown. Infectious sequelae, ototoxic medications, and genetic causes may play a larger role in developing countries. In addition, the significance of GJB2 mutation gene in poorly developed areas remains unclear. The intent of this study is to investigate the prevalence and etiology of HL in children living in a remote, impoverished region of northern Nicaragua.Study Design: Cross‐sectional study.Methods: Clinical data from two sources were analyzed: data from screening examinations performed in rural schools in the Department of Jinotega, Nicaragua (group A) and pediatric HL patients seen at the Otolaryngology and Audiology Clinic in Jinotega, Nicaragua (group B). Patients with congenital HL were offered a genetic test for GJB2 mutations. Comparisons were made using parametric (analysis of variance) and nonparametric (Kruskal‐Wallis) tests.Results: School‐based screening examinations (group A) revealed a high prevalence of significant HL (>30 dB) of 18%. The majority of these children had normal otoscopic examinations (58%). A family history of HL was seen in 24% of children who failed screening exams. Positive family history was more common in patients with HL (P < .01) and in specific schools (P < .05). Clinic‐based evaluations (group B) reveal a population with predominantly severe‐profound HL. Physical dysmorphism was common, yet identifiable syndromic HL was rare. Although familial HL was common (33%), there were no pathologic GJB2 mutations. Other common risk factors in this population were maternal infection during pregnancy, neonatal distress, low birth weight or prematurity, and gentamicin exposure.Conclusions: HL in this rural, third world environment is more prevalent, and the etiologies responsible in this study group are different from those encountered in industrialized nations. Poor perinatal health care, infectious causes, gentamicin exposure, and hereditary HL are potentially preventable causes that play a major role in this population.
Health‐Related Quality of Life in Thyroid Cancer Survivors
Authors: Tan Lincoln G. L. , Nan Luo , Thumboo Julian , Sundram Felix , Tan Luke K. S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjective: The study objective was to study the impact of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) on the quality of life and related issues in an urban multi‐ethnic Asian population.Design: A self‐administered questionnaire containing the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) and assessing sociodemographic, disease, and treatment‐related status was mailed to patients with DTC.Main Outcomes: One hundred fifty‐two (52.4%) of 290 patients answered the questionnaire. There was a statistically significant decrease in SF‐36 scores between thyroid cancer survivors and the general population in all domains except for social functioning (SF). Physical functioning (PF) was worse in those survivors who were aged 50 years or older. Mental health (MH) scores were better in those who had more than 12 years of formal education. Being employed had a positive influence on role physical (RP) and role emotional (RE) scores. Being of Malay/Indian ethnicity strongly correlated with lower scores in bodily pain (BP), SF, RE and MH domains.Conclusion: Although most patients with well‐differentiated thyroid cancer have near normal life expectancy, our study has shown that there is a significant decrease in their quality of life, especially in the elderly and poorer educated. Returning to work should be encouraged to improve the quality of life in DTC survivors.
Hypoxia Stimulates Inflammatory and Fibrotic Responses From Nasal‐Polyp Derived Fibroblasts
Authors: Early S. Brandon , Hise Kathleen , Han Joseph K. , Borish Larry , Steinke John W. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Chronic sinusitis is primarily an inflammatory disorder characterized by hyperplasia of immune cells and sinus tissue. Nasal mucosal swelling or polyps can occlude the sinus ostia, decreasing the level of oxygen available to the sinus tissue. Hypoxia in many diseases results in increased recruitment of inflammatory cells and release of cytokines. The role of hypoxia in chronic sinusitis is unknown. We hypothesized that hypoxia induces production of mediators that recruit cells into the sinus tissue and are involved in remodeling of the nasal mucosa.Methods: We compared data from unstimulated nasal‐polyp derived fibroblasts with those cultured in hypoxic (10% O2) and anoxic (0% O2) environments. Changes in mRNA expression and protein levels of cytokines and chemokines were measured along with changes in cellular proliferation.Results: Hypoxic conditions did not change the proliferative capacity of fibroblasts, whereas anoxia led to a 40% reduction in cellular proliferation (P < .05). Hypoxia led to increases in secretion of many cytokines including vascular endothelial growth factor and CCL11. As a marker of remodeling, procollagen and fibronectin production were significantly increased under hypoxic conditions.Conclusions: Hypoxic conditions present in the sinus tissue could increase production of proinflammatory and remodeling cytokines that contribute to the inflammation observed in sinusitis. Surgical intervention may help decrease inflammation by allowing reoxygenation of the sinus cavity and decrease the hypoxic induction of cytokines and remodeling factors.
Epidemiology of Voice Disorders in the Elderly: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Roy Nelson , Stemple Joseph , Merrill Ray M. , Thomas Lisa 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: Epidemiologic studies of the prevalence and risk factors of voice disorders in the elderly, nontreatment seeking population are nonexistent. The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to 1) estimate the prevalence of voice disorders, 2) identify variables associated with increased risk of voice disorders, and 3) measure the socioemotional impact of voice disorders on the elderly who live independently.Study Design: Prospective, cross‐sectional survey.Methods: One hundred seventeen seniors (39 males and 78 females; mean age, 76.1 yr; SD, 8.5 yr; range, 65–94 yr), residing in Utah and Kentucky, were interviewed using a questionnaire that addressed three areas related to voice disorders: prevalence, potential risk factors, and socioemotional consequences/effects.Results: The lifetime prevalence of a voice disorder was 47%, with 29.1% of participants reporting a current voice disorder. The majority of respondents (60%) reported chronic voice problems persisting for at least 4 weeks. Seniors who had experienced esophageal reflux, severe neck/back injury, and chronic pain were at increased risk. Voice‐related effort and discomfort, combined with increased anxiety and frustration and the need to repeat oneself, were specific areas that adversely affected quality of life.Conclusions: This preliminary epidemiologic study confirmed that voice disorders are common among the elderly, and further research is needed to identify additional risk factors contributing to voice disorder vulnerability.
Metalloproteinase Function in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Kostamo Katriina , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo , Richardson Malcolm , Toskala Elina 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and asthma share characteristic inflammatory features and histopathologic findings of airway remodeling. Remodeling, which is controlled by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), is a key event in the pathogenesis of asthma. The MMP functions have rarely been evaluated in CRSwNP.Study Design: Prospective and in vivo.Methods: MMP‐7, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 concentrations were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and their molecular forms by Western immunoblotting and gelatin zymography in 24 patients operated on for CRSwNP and in nasal lavages from 19 healthy controls. MMP function, protective or destructive, was evaluated by comparing MMP/TIMP‐1 levels with the disease activity, estimated by tissue eosinophilia and a need for re‐operations.Results: Significantly increased levels of MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 were found in patients without tissue eosinophilia relative to eosinophil‐positive CRSwNP patients and controls, as well as in patients who did not require re‐operation in comparison with re‐operated patients. In eosinophil‐positive and re‐operated patients, these parameters were within the same range than in controls.Conclusions: Proteolytic spectrum is different in eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP, suggesting a new mechanism for eosinophil accumulation in the disease pathogenesis. Enhanced MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 expression was associated with a better prognosis/clinical outcome, and thus these results may represent a synergic, protective role of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 in host response in CRSwNP. Because synthetic MMP inhibitors, capable of equilibrating the unfavorable MMP/TIMP‐ratio, may be of potential therapeutic value in chronic respiratory tract diseases, the MMP functions in inflammatory conditions need to be carefully established.
Biofilms in Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections: How Important are They?
Authors: Vlastarakos Petros V. , Nikolopoulos Thomas P. , Maragoudakis Paul , Tzagaroulakis Antonios , Ferekidis Eleftherios 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Biofilms present a new challenging concept in sustaining chronic, common antibiotic‐resistant ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections. They are communities of sessile bacteria embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances of their own synthesis that adhere to a foreign body or a mucosal surface with impaired host defense. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on ENT diseases that can be attributed to biofilm formation and to discuss options for future treatment.Materials and Methods: Literature review from Medline and database sources. Electronic links and related books were also included.Study Selection: Controlled clinical trials, animal models, ex vivo models, laboratory studies, retrospective studies, and systematic reviews.Data Synthesis: Biofilm formation is a dynamic five‐step process guided by interbacterial communicating systems. Bacteria in biofilms express different genes and have markedly different phenotypes from their planktonic counterparts. Detachment of cells, production of endotoxin, increased resistance to the host immune system, and provision of a niche for the generation of resistant organisms are biofilm processes that could initiate the infection process. Effective prevention and management strategies include interruption of quorum sensing, inhibition of related genes, disruption of the protective extrapolymer matrix, macrolides (clarithromycin and erythromycin), and mechanical debridement of the biofilm‐bearing tissues. With regard to medical indwelling devices, surface treatment of fluoroplastic grommets and redesign of cochlear implants could minimize initial microbial colonization.Conclusion: As the role of biofilms in human infection becomes better defined, ENT surgeons should be prepared to deal with their unique and tenacious nature.
Cochlear Origin of Early Hearing Loss in Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Gouveris Haralampos T. , Victor Anja , Mann Wolf J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjective: To test whether early hearing loss (HL) is cochlear in origin in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS).Study Design: Retrospective case review in an academic tertiary referral center.Methods: A group of 19 VS patients with normal/symmetrical hearing and a group of 20 VS patients with mild HL (threshold at any tested frequency better than 45 dB HL) on the tumor ear side. Differences of the amplitudes of the distortion products of otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) between the tumor ear and the nontumor ear were studied at frequencies of 1, 1.4, 2, 2.8, and 4 kHz. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the ears for both groups and to test for possible differences in tumor size between groups.Results: DPOAE amplitudes do not differ strongly between the ears in VS patients with normal/symmetrical hearing (two‐sided P values: .050 at 1 kHz, .182 at 1.4 kHz, .378 at 2 kHz, .293 at 2.8 kHz, and .238 at 4 kHz) but are decreased compared with the nontumor ear at frequencies 1, 1.4, 2, and 2.8 kHz in VS patients with even mild HL (two‐sided P values: .013 at 1 kHz, .007 at 1.4 kHz, .033 at 2 kHz, .010 at 2.8 kHz, and .156 at 4 kHz). Tumor size did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = .436).Conclusion: Amplitudes of DPOAEs begin to decrease even at the early stages of HL in VS patients, which suggests a cochlear origin of early HL in these patients. DPOAEs may be used in a clinical setting to monitor progression of cochlear damage at the early stages of hearing impairment in VS patients.
Acquisition of Surgical Skills for Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: A Training Program
Authors: Snyderman Carl , Kassam Amin , Carrau Ricardo , Mintz Arlan , Gardner Paul , Prevedello Daniel M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIntroduction: Endonasal surgery represents a radical change in the practice of cranial base surgery and requires the acquisition of new knowledge and surgical skills. The optimal training program for surgeons has not been established.Methods: We reviewed our experience with endonasal cranial base surgery from 1998 to 2006 to develop a training plan for the acquisition of surgical skills. It consists of a modular and incremental approach to endonasal skull base surgery that is designed to train surgeons to function as a team, learn endoscopic skull base anatomy, and develop fundamental endoscopic skills.Results: Stages of training are established for the otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon and the neurosurgeon that are based on level of technical difficulty, potential risk of vascular and neural injury, and unfamiliar endoscopic anatomy. Mastery of each level is recommended before attempting procedures at a higher level.Conclusions: Standardization of training and the adoption of a modular, incremental training program are expected to facilitate the training of endonasal surgeons in both surgical specialties. Adherence to such a program during the growth phase of endoscopic skull base surgery may decrease the risk of complications as the surgeon's knowledge and surgical expertise develop.
Demands on Caring Relatives of Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Baghi Mehran , Wagenblast Jens , Hambek Markus , Radeloff Andreas , Gstoettner Wolfgang , Scherzed Agmal , Spaenkuch Birgit , Yuan Juping , Hornung Stefan , Strebhardt Klaus , Knecht Rainald 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Relatives of cancer patients experience high levels of stress that influence the quality of life of these individuals. To investigate whether there is a necessity for simultaneous supportive care of patient relatives, we performed for the first time a study asking the closest relatives of head and neck cancer patients about their needs during and after the treatment to consider how to optimize the situation for such patient groups.Material and Methods: Patients' relatives were assessed using an anonymous self‐report questionnaire that was established in our department by expanding on a questionnaire for cancer patients' relatives from the psycho‐oncologic society in Switzerland. The evaluation was multidimensional, cancer specific, and relative based.Results: Relatives feel confronted themselves with cancer, although indirectly. The majority of the respondents were of the opinion that simultaneous psychological care of the patients and for the caring relatives would be helpful to cope with the situation.Conclusion: This study shows the significant impact of cancer on caring relatives of head and neck cancer patients. In our opinion, health services should become more aware of this potential to ensure that the needs of the involved patient relatives are met as well as those of the patients.
TheArabidopsis thalianaHomolog of YeastBRE1Has a Function in Cell Cycle Regulation during Early Leaf and Root Growth
Authors: Fleury Delphine , Himanen Kristiina , Cnops Gerda , Nelissen Hilde , Boccardi Tommaso Matteo , Maere Steven , Beemster Gerrit T.S. , Neyt Pia , Anami Sylvester , Robles Pedro , Micol José Luis , Inzé Dirk , Van Lijsebettens Mieke 
Published: March 2007

AbstractChromatin modification and transcriptional activation are novel roles for E3 ubiquitin ligase proteins that have been mainly associated with ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. We identified HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION1 (HUB1) (and its homolog HUB2) in Arabidopsis thaliana as RING E3 ligase proteins with a function in organ growth. We show that HUB1 is a functional homolog of the human and yeast BRE1 proteins because it monoubiquitinated histone H2B in an in vitro assay. Hub knockdown mutants had pale leaf coloration, modified leaf shape, reduced rosette biomass, and inhibited primary root growth. One of the alleles had been designated previously as ang4-1. Kinematic analysis of leaf and root growth together with flow cytometry revealed defects in cell cycle activities. The hub1-1 (ang4-1) mutation increased cell cycle duration in young leaves and caused an early entry into the endocycles. Transcript profiling of shoot apical tissues of hub1-1 (ang4-1) indicated that key regulators of the G2-to-M transition were misexpressed. Based on the mutant characterization, we postulate that HUB1 mediates gene activation and cell cycle regulation probably through chromatin modifications.
Arabidopsis MYB26/MALE STERILE35Regulates Secondary Thickening in the Endothecium and Is Essential for Anther Dehiscence
Authors: Yang Caiyun , Xu Zhengyao , Song Jie , Conner Katie , Vizcay Barrena Gema , Wilson Zoe A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe Arabidopsis thaliana MYB26/MALE STERILE35 (MS35) gene is critical for the development of secondary thickening in the anther endothecium and subsequent dehiscence. MYB26 is localized to the nucleus and regulates endothecial development and secondary thickening in a cell-specific manner in the anther. MYB26 expression is seen in anthers and also in the style and nectaries, although there is no effect on female fertility in the ms35 mutant. MYB26 expression in anthers occurs early during endothecial development, with maximal expression during pollen mitosis I and bicellular stages, indicating a regulatory role in specifying early endothecial cell development. Overexpression of MYB26 results in ectopic secondary thickening in both Arabidopsis and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants, predominantly within the epidermal tissues. MYB26 regulates a number of genes linked to secondary thickening, including IRREGULAR XYLEM1 (IRX1), IRX3, IRX8, and IRX12. Changes in expression were also detected in two NAC domain genes, NAC SECONDARY WALL–PROMOTING FACTOR1 (NST1) and NST2, which have been linked to secondary thickening in the anther endothecium. These data indicate that MYB26 regulates NST1 and NST2 expression and in turn controls the process of secondary thickening. Therefore, MYB26 appears to function in a regulatory role involved in determining endothecial cell development within the anther and acts upstream of the lignin biosynthesis pathway.
Aberrant expression of TopBP1 in breast cancer
Authors: Going J J , Nixon C , Dornan E S , Boner W , Donaldson M M , Morgan I M 
Published: March 2007

Aims:  The TopBP1 protein includes eight BRCT domains (originally identified in BRCA1) and has homology with BRCA1 over the carboxyl terminal half of the protein. The aim of this study was to determine whether TopBP1 is aberrantly expressed in breast cancer.Methods and results:  Sixty‐one breast carcinomas from an unselected consecutive patient cohort were studied along with 12 samples of breast tissue from cosmetic breast reduction surgery; these were analysed immunohistochemically for TopBP1 expression using a rabbit polyclonal antibody. This antibody was validated in immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that TopBP1 was expressed almost exclusively in the nuclei of the normal breast epithelium. However, in a significant number of breast carcinomas TopBP1 was aberrantly expressed, as it was detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus of some tumours and exclusively in the cytoplasm of others. In two out of 61 carcinomas investigated, no TopBP1 expression was detected.Conclusions:  For the first time this report demonstrates aberrant expression of the TopBP1 protein in breast carcinoma. We propose TOPBP1 as a breast cancer susceptibility gene.