bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Factors in Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis with Bone Erosion
Authors: Ghegan Mark D. , Wise Sarah K. , Gorham Edward , Schlosser Rodney J. 
Published: October 2007

Background Previous studies have shown an increase in the incidence of orbital and skull base erosion in African Americans and males diagnosed with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). However, underlying reasons for the advanced presentation of AFRS in certain ethnic and gender groups are currently unknown. We evaluated several socioeconomic and demographic factors for their possible contribution to advanced presentation of AFRS in our patient population. Such factors have not been examined previously in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of race, ethnicity, and various socioeconomic factors to the advanced presentation of AFRS with orbital and skull base bone erosion. Methods Retrospective review of medical records and radiological studies were performed for 54 consecutive AFRS patients presenting to a tertiary care rhinology practice. Presence of radiological evidence of bone erosion was compared with demographic data and insurance status, as indicated in the medical record. Bone erosion status was evaluated also against state demographic data, divided by county. Results Males were significantly more likely to present with bone erosion than females (p = 0.009). In this analysis, age and race were not statistically associated with the presence of bone erosion. Additionally, no statistically significant correlations were identified between bone erosion and several socioeconomic factors listed from the patient's county of residence (percentage below the poverty level, median household income, population percentage of African Americans, or number of physicians per 1000 residents). Conclusion No socioeconomic factors were identified that correlated with the incidence of bone erosion in patients diagnosed with AFRS. Factors other than socioeconomic status and access to health care appear to play a role in the advanced presentation of AFRS.
Endoscopic Endonasal Study of the Maxillary Nerve: A New Orientation
Authors: Herzallah Islam R. , Elsheikh Ezzeddin M. , Casiano Roy R. 
Published: October 2007

Background Endoscopic endonasal procedures for advanced lesions involving the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and its various communications are increasingly performed. The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2) passes through the foramen rotundum and crosses the upper part of the PPF, with a risk of partial or complete injury during surgery in this complex region. Despite the available knowledge of the sinonasal anatomy, the endoscopic orientation of the V2 remains unclear and requires further analysis from this unique view. Methods Using an extended endoscopic approach, the PPF was dissected in 20 sides of 10 adult cadaver heads. The V2 also was followed anteriorly from the trigeminal ganglion, toward the infraorbital canal. The course and the neurovascular relationships of the V2 were studied. High-quality endoscopic images have been produced by coupling the video camera to a digital video recording system. Results The endoscopic course and relations of the V2 were carefully described. Important landmarks to identify and avoid injury of the nerve were discussed in relation to this unique view. Conclusion This study updates our understanding of the V2 anatomy from an endoscopic perspective. The medial to lateral inclination and drooping of the V2, as well as different relationships of the V2 with the vascular structures are important findings to be taken into consideration while endoscopically addressing related lesions.
Endoscopic Anatomy of the Pterygopalatine Fossa
Authors: Isaacs Seth J. , Goyal Parul 
Published: October 2007

Background The pterygopalatine fossa can be involved with a variety of infectious and neoplastic processes. This region can be entered endoscopically, but endoscopic landmarks to localize the neurovascular structures in the pterygopalatine fossa have not yet been reported. Objectives The purpose of this study is to describe the location of the neurovascular structures in the pterygopalatine fossa in relation to consistent intranasal landmarks. Methods Endoscopic dissections of cadaveric heads were performed. The locations of neurovascular structures in the region were defined. Results The sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) served as the primary intranasal landmark to the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). Mean distances from the SPF were measured with the following results: SPF to sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), 4 mm medially and 6 mm laterally; SPF to foramen rotundum (FR), 7 mm; and SPF to vidian canal (VC), 2 mm. The internal maxillary artery followed an irregular and inconsistent course, making it difficult to define a reliable landmark for its location in the fossa. Conclusion Entering the PPF inferior to the horizontal plane of the SPF along a vertical line drawn inferiorly from the infraorbital canal will avoid injury to the major neural structures in the fossa. Because of the inconsistent course and location of the internal maxillary artery, this structure may be at risk no matter where the fossa is entered. These landmarks will allow the surgeon to enter the PPF with more accuracy and less patient morbidity.
Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic and Endoscopic-Assisted Resection of Inverted Papillomas: A 15-Year Experience
Authors: Woodworth Bradford A. , Bhargave Geeta A. , Palmer James N. , Chiu Alexander G. , Cohen Noam A. , Lanza Donald C. , Bolger William E. , Kennedy David W. 
Published: October 2007

Background The endoscopic resection of sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs) has been well described. However, the majority of published reports in the literature are small case series with limited clinical follow-up. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the experience with the endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted resection of IPs at a major academic tertiary care facility and assess long-term outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted resections of IP was performed. Charts were reviewed for standard demographic data, operative technique, adjuvant approaches, complications, and postoperative follow-up times. Results One hundred fourteen patients (average age, 56 years) underwent endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted resection for IPs with a mean disease-free follow-up of 40 months (7–135 months). Seventeen patients developed disease after endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted resection for a recurrence rate of 15%. Average time to recurrence was 23 months. Combined approaches were used when indicated in 34% (39/114) of patients, including adjuvant osteoplastic flap, midface degloving, trephine, or Caldwell-Luc approaches. Four patients (4%) had cerebrospinal fluid leaks that were successfully repaired endoscopically. Conclusion In this large series of endoscopically resected IPs with extensive clinical follow-up, recurrences occurred an average of 23 months after the procedure. This emphasizes the importance of long-term endoscopic follow-up to detect recurrences in all patients. Endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted resection of IPs is a valid technique in this series with recurrence rates comparable with open approaches.
Experience with the Expanded Endonasal Approach for Resection of the Odontoid Process in Rheumatoid Disease
Authors: Nayak Jayakar V. , Gardner Paul A. , Vescan Allan D. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Kassam Amin B. , Snyderman Carl H. 
Published: October 2007

Background One of the common indications for removal of the odontoid process includes decompression of the cervicomedullary junction in patients with arthritic degeneration. Resection of the odontoid process can be accomplished using a completely transnasal endoscopic approach. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients with rheumatoid pannus undergoing transnasal endoscopic resection of the odontoid to assess preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months in the postoperative period and/or until death. In addition to the primary procedure, those patients with preoperative cervical instability underwent posterior fusion of the upper cervical spine to the occiput for stabilization during the same hospitalization. Results Nine patients underwent transnasal endoscopic resection of the odontoid process for rheumatoid or degenerative pannus and brainstem compression. Perioperatively, four patients required a tracheostomy; two of whom had significant preoperative pharyngeal dysfunction. Two patients experienced postoperative velopharyngeal incompetence, which was transient. No patients had cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and there were no perioperative infectious complications noted. There was one delayed death in this patient cohort because of a presumed pulmonary embolus. Otherwise, all patients showed an improvement of their preoperative neurological symptoms. Conclusion This early series of patients with rheumatoid pannus shows the feasibility of a fully endoscopic, completely transnasal approach for the resection of the odontoid process. Potential advantages include improved visualization, limited morbidity, decreased pain, and faster recovery than traditional approaches.
Recent Developments in Polymer MEMS
Authors: Liu C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPolymer materials, including elastomers, plastics and fibers, are being actively used for MEMS sensors and actuators. Polymer materials provide many advantages in terms of cost, mechanical properties, and ease of processing. In addition, polymers are being investigated for displays, memory, and circuitry. However, the incorporation of polymers for structural or functional purposes in MEMS systems raises new issues and challenges. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent state of the art of polymer based MEMS—including materials, fabrication processes, and representative devices, including microfluidic valves and tactile sensors. Frequently used materials are reviewed, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), parylene, nanocomposite elastomers, and SU‐8 epoxy.
Ancestry informative markers in Amerindians from Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Luizon Marcelo Rizzatti , Mendes‐Junior Celso Teixeira , De Oliveira Silviene Fabiana , Simões Aguinaldo Luiz 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAncestry informative markers (AIMs) are genetic loci with large frequency differences between the major ethnic groups and are very useful in admixture estimation. However, their frequencies are poorly known within South American indigenous populations, making it difficult to use them in admixture studies with Latin American populations, such as the trihybrid Brazilian population. To minimize this problem, the frequencies of the AIMs FY‐null, RB2300, LPL, AT3‐I/D, Sb19.3, APO, and PV92 were determined via PCR and PCR‐RFLP in four tribes from Brazilian Amazon (Tikúna, Kashinawa, Baníwa, and Kanamarí), to evaluate their potential for discriminating indigenous populations from Europeans and Africans, as well as discriminating each tribe from the others. Although capable of differentiating tribes, as evidenced by the exact test of population differentiation, a neighbor‐joining tree suggests that the AIMs are useless in obtaining reliable reconstructions of the biological relationships and evolutionary history that characterize the villages and tribes studied. The mean allele frequencies from these AIMs were very similar to those observed for North American natives. They discriminated Amerindians from Africans, but not from Europeans. On the other hand, the neighbor‐joining dendrogram separated Africans and Europeans from Amerindians with a high statistical support (bootstrap = 0.989). The relatively low diversity (GST = 0.042) among North American natives and Amerindians from Brazilian Amazon agrees with the lack of intra‐ethnic variation previously reported for these markers. Despite genetic drift effects, the mean allelic frequencies herein presented could be used as Amerindian parental frequencies in admixture estimates in urban Brazilian populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Socioeconomic and lifestyle determinants of body fat distribution in young working males from Cracow, Poland
Authors: Suder Agnieszka 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine the degree of explanation of the central adiposity variation, presented by waist circumference (WC), waist‐hip ratio (WHR), and the sum of the three trunk skinfold thicknesses (subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac) (TTS) through the socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle. The material included cross‐sectional population‐based research of 259 healthy working males aged 20–30 from the city of Cracow, Poland. Objective anthropometric measurements, the results of motor fitness tests, and social and lifestyle data from a questionnaire were analyzed. The independent variables were: age, SES (the birthplace, place of residence until the age of 14, social class, educational level, and the type of work done), and lifestyle elements (smoking habits, dietary habits, family obesity resemblance, sport activity in the past, leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and the level of motor fitness). Three separate full models were created using stepwise straightforward regression with WC, WHR, and TTS as dependent variables. The highest autonomous influence on WC was ascribed to age, level of motor fitness, and family obesity resemblance. Variation in WHR was explained by age, level of motor fitness, upper‐middle class, LTPA, and village as the birthplace. Level of motor fitness, place of residence until the age of 14 (city), age, smoking fewer than 20 cigarettes a day, and family obesity resemblance had greatest influence on TTS. The findings indicated the importance, besides age, of lifestyle elements connected with motor fitness and LTPA in determining body fat distribution in young working males. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visualization of human prenatal development by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Authors: Shiota Kohei , Yamada Shigehito , Nakatsu‐Komatsu Tomoko , Uwabe Chigako , Kose Katsumi , Matsuda Yoshimasa , Haishi Tomoyuki , Mizuta Shinobu , Matsuda Tetsuya 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIt is essential to visualize the structures of embryos and their internal organs three‐dimensionally to analyze morphogenesis; this used to rely solely on serial histological sectioning and solid reconstruction, which were tedious and time‐consuming. We have applied imaging with a magnetic resonance (MR) microscope equipped with a 2.35 T superconducting magnet to visualize human embryos; we were successful in acquiring high‐resolution sectional images and in identifying the detailed structures of major organs. The imaging process was facilitated by using a super‐parallel MR microscope. A dataset of MR images of more than 1,000 human embryos, now collected, will be important for future biomedical research and for education. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryogenesis of holoprosencephaly
Authors: Shiota Kohei , Yamada Shigehito , Komada Munekazu , Ishibashi Makoto 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHoloprosencephaly (HPE) is a malformation of the human brain caused primarily by incomplete division of the prosencephalon into two halves and is often associated with various facial anomalies. Although HPE is rather rare in newborns (1/10,000–15,000 births), it is frequently encountered in therapeutic abortuses (>1/250). To date, nine gene mutations responsible for human HPE have been identified, but the pathogenetic mechanisms of the craniofacial anomalies in HPE have just begun to be understood. Here, we summarize our studies on human embryos with HPE and discuss the embryogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms of HPE malformations under the following headings: pathology, pathogenesis, and critical period of development. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Newly delineated syndrome of congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, and epidermal nevi (CLOVE syndrome) in seven patients
Authors: Sapp Julie C. , Turner Joyce T. , van de Kamp Jiddeke M. , van Dijk Fleur S. , Lowry R. Brian , Biesecker Leslie G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe present a series of seven patients who were previously diagnosed with Proteus syndrome, but who do not meet published diagnostic criteria for this disorder and whose natural history is distinct from that of Proteus syndrome. This newly recognized phenotype comprises progressive, complex, and mixed truncal vascular malformations, dysregulated adipose tissue, varying degrees of scoliosis, and enlarged bony structures without progressive bony overgrowth. We have named this condition congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, and epidermal nevi (CLOVE syndrome) on a heuristic basis. In contrast to the bony distortion so characteristic of Proteus syndrome, distortion in CLOVE syndrome occurs only following major or radical surgery. Here, we contrast differences and similarities of CLOVE syndrome to Proteus syndrome. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral–facial–digital syndromes: Review and diagnostic guidelines
Authors: Gurrieri Fiorella , Franco Brunella , Toriello Helga , Neri Giovanni 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe oral–facial–digital syndromes (OFDS) result from the pleiotropic effect of a morphogenetic impairment affecting almost invariably the mouth, face and digits. Other organ systems can be involved, defining specific types of OFDS. To date, 13 types have been distinguished based on characteristic clinical manifestations. An updated list of these types is provided and recent molecular data are discussed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Benzylated modification and dyeing of ramie fiber in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Liu Zhao‐Tie , Sun Zhifeng , Liu Zhong‐Wen , Lu Jian , Xiong Heping 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe effects of pretreatment conditions, including the addition of a phase‐transfer catalyst, on the benzylation of ramie fiber were investigated in this study. Raw and benzylated ramie fibers were dyed in supercritical carbon dioxide, and the color strength (K/S) of the ramie fiber was measured by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. An obviously improved dyeing capability of the benzylated ramie fiber, that is, a better level‐dyeing property and a higher K/S, was achieved. Moreover, the color strength of the ramie fiber, indexed as the value of K/S, increased significantly with the degree of substitution of the benzylated ramie fiber. The raw and modified ramie fibers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Surface modification of CNFs via plasma polymerization of styrene monomer and its effect on the properties of PS/CNF nanocomposites
Authors: Ramos‐deValle L. F. , Neira‐Velázquez M. G. , Hernández‐Hernández E. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCarbon nanofibers (CNF) were modified via plasma assisted polymerization in a specially designed reactor. The effect of the plasma reactor conditions, such as power and time, on the extent of the CNFs modification was examined. Polystyrene (PS) coated nanofibers plus PS polymer were then processed in a Brabender torque rheometer mixing chamber to obtain PS/CNF nanocomposites, with 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt % of CNF. The effect of the plasma treatment on the dispersion of the nanofibers and on the compatibility between the nanofibers and the polymer matrix was also examined. Modification of the CNFs was assessed by measuring the contact angle of water in a “bed” of nanofibers and by examining its dispersion in several solvents. The morphology of PS/CNF nanocomposites was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Contact angles decreased in all cases, indicating a change in hydrophobicity of the modified CNFs. This change was confirmed in the CNF dispersion tests in several solvents. SEM micrographs show the difference between the original and the PS coated CNF. In addition, fractured samples show the effect of this treatment, in the sense that the CNF seem to be completely embedded in the polymer matrix, which clearly indicates the high compatibility between the PS and the modified (PS coated) CNF. As a consequence, a much better dispersion of the treated CNF was observed. Finally, the tensile modulus of PS/CNF composites increased slightly with respect to PS when using untreated CNFs, but more than doubled when using plasma treated CNFs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Establishment of a lipid accumulation model in an insect cell line
Authors: Akiduki Gaku , Imanishi Shigeo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe study of adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in insects has been limited by the lack of a system suitable for analysis of molecular mechanisms. Here, we describe the establishment of a model system of lipid accumulation in BmN4 cells, which are derived from silkworm ovary. In BmN4 cells, dexamethasone treatment induced accumulation of lipid, suppressed cellular proliferation, and caused the cells to form aggregates. We isolated the Bombyx mori fatty acid binding protein 1 gene (BmFABP1), which is the silkworm homologue of mouse Fabp4 (aP2), a marker of adipocyte differentiation in mammals. BmFABP1 expression was increased by dexamethasone treatment. We also isolated the BmFABP1 promoter, and found that it was activated by a combination of drugs that included dexamethasone. The demonstration of dexamethasone‐stimulated lipid accumulation and BmFABP1 expression in BmN4 cells provides a useful model of inducible adipogenesis. This system should be valuable for investigation of the molecular mechanisms of fat body formation, adipocyte differentiation, and lipid accumulation in the silkworm and other Lepidopteran insects. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:109–121, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure of Bombyx mori chemosensory protein 1 in solution
Authors: Jansen Séverine , Chmelík Josef , Žídek Lukáš , Padrta Petr , Novák Petr , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Picimbon Jean‐François , Löfstedt Christer , Sklenář Vladimír 
Published: October 2007

AbstractChemosensory Proteins (CSPs) represent a family of conserved proteins found in insects that may be involved in chemosensory functions. BmorCSP1 is expressed mainly in antennae and legs of the silkworm moth Bombyx mori and was cloned from antennal cDNA. Here we report the determination of the structure of Bombyx mori CSP1 (BmorCSP1) by NMR. The overall fold of BmorCSP1 is globular and comprises six α‐helices. These helices span residues 10–14, 17–27, 35–49, 57–72, 75–85, and 92–100. The internal hydrophobic sides of the helices are formed mostly by leucine and isoleucine residues and, therefore, well suited to constitute a binding site for hydrophobic ligands. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:135–145, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors affecting the information quality of personal Web portfolios
Authors: Katerattanakul Pairin , Siau Keng 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPersonal Web portfolios have become a popular information source and an effective method for individuals to present themselves to others in cyberspace. Thus, the quality of personal Web portfolios is critical and affects the perception that others have of the individuals. But how do we measure quality of personal Web portfolios? What are the important factors affecting quality of personal Web portfolios? This study presents the development of an instrument measuring factors affecting information quality of personal Web portfolios. The proposed instrument, based on the Information Quality framework, was refined and validated to assess its construct validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. The proposed instrument can be used to guide those who want to design their personal Web portfolios and also to help those who need to evaluate the quality of personal Web portfolios.