bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
α1‐Adrenoceptors augment thermal hyperalgesia in mildly burnt skin
Authors: Drummond Peter D. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTThe effect of the α1‐adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine on sensitivity to heat was investigated at three sites of mild burn injury in the cutaneous forearm of 19 healthy participants. Two of the sites were pre‐treated with the α1‐antagonist terazosin, to determine whether the effect of phenylephrine was mediated by α1‐adrenoceptors. Terazosin was administered before the burn injury at one site, and after the burn injury at the other site. In another 15 participants, the nociceptive effect of the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist clonidine was investigated with and without prior treatment with the α2‐antagonist rauwolscine. Drugs were introduced into the skin by iontophoresis, and burns were induced by heating the skin to 48°C for 2min. Heat pain thresholds to a temperature ramp (0.5°C/s), and heat pain ratings to a thermal stimulus (45°C, 7s), were determined before and after the administration of each drug. Thermal hyperalgesia provoked by phenylephrine was inhibited by terazosin administered after the burn injury, but not by terazosin administered before the burn injury. However, neither α2‐adrenoceptor stimulation nor blockade affected sensitivity to heat in the mildly burnt skin. These findings suggest that stimulation of cutaneous α1‐adrenoceptors increased the excitability of heat‐sensitized nociceptive afferents. As terazosin was more effective when administered in burnt skin, an inflammatory response induced by the burn injury may have facilitated access of adrenergic agents to α1‐adrenoceptors.
Effect of a large‐sized silicone sheet upon recovery of mastoid aeration after mastoidectomy
Authors: Kazama Kyosuke , Takahashi Haruo , Kaieda Satoru , Iwanaga Tetsu , Yamamoto‐Fukuda Tomomi , Yoshida Haruo , Kumagami Hidetaka , Takasaki Kenji 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of our large‐sized silicone sheet upon postoperative recovery of mastoid aeration in ears after surgery including mastoidectomy and soft‐wall reconstruction (SWR).Study Design and SettingRetrospective chart review in a tertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsRecovery of mastoid aeration was assessed by CT 4 to 12 months after surgery on 72 ears (69 patients), in which the silicone sheet covering from the eustachian tube (ET) to the mastoid was placed after SWR procedure with mastoidectomy were done for their chronic otitis media. Results were compared with those with a small silicone sheet.ResultsRecovery of mastoid aeration was significantly better in the large‐silicone‐sheet group than in the small‐silicone‐sheet group (X2 value = 11.7146, P = 0.0006).ConclusionThis preliminary study suggested that our large‐sized silicone sheet may be effective for postoperative recovery of mastoid aeration even in ears operated with SWR procedure.© 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Mitomycin C and airway surgery: How well does it work?
Authors: Warner Danielle , Brietzke Scott E. 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveSystematically review and critically evaluate all available published data on the use of topical mitomycin C (MMC) as an adjunctive in airway surgery.Data SourcesPublished studies indexed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, or Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria were English language, sample size greater than five, and publication of data applicable to the analysis of topical MMC and airway surgery outcomes.Review MethodsEvidence tables were compiled to include sample size, study design, and evidence level. Summary statistics, random‐effects modeling, and subgroup analysis were performed.ResultsTwenty manuscripts (eight human, 12 animal) met the inclusion criteria. Seven of eight (87.5%) of the human studies and eight of 12 (66%) animal studies concluded topical MMC was beneficial to airway surgical outcomes. Eleven of twelve animal studies included randomization and a control group, compared with only two of eight human studies. Random‐effects modeling of human studies (k=7) indicated that 81.4 percent (95% CI, 72.0%‐90.9%; P < 0.001) of patients had improved outcomes attributable to MMC. Random‐effects modeling of animal data included modeling of change in airway diameter (Hedge's G = −0.03; 95% CI, −0.66‐0.60; P = 0.924) and the change in histologic measures (Hedge's G = 1.26; 95% CI, 0.596‐1.92; P < 0.001) in MMC‐treated animals vs controls.ConclusionThe majority of the published literature individually suggests the use of topical MMC improves airway surgery outcomes. However, heterogeneity within the clinical studies, the lack of controlled data, and the lack of significance in the pooled animal data (other than histologic outcomes) suggest that the utility of MMC is still undetermined.
A warning to physicians: Changing landscape of the corporate‐provider relationship
Authors: Shah Udayan K. , Smith Gina Maisto , Ziv Barbara E. , Reilly James S. 
Published: June 2008

In 2007, the United States federal government recovered $1.54 billion for fraud in the health care industry. The government's unwavering and continuing commitment to enforcement and criminal actions compel the need for a stronger provider understanding of the regulatory framework within which corporate‐provider relations must be structured.This commentary aims to review briefly the need for such education in order to protect providers from legal action and offers a straightforward, proactive compliance approach to optimize patient care and technological innovation while maintaining appropriate remuneration.
Prospective, randomized, controlled trial of tranexamic acid in patients who undergo head and neck procedures
Authors: Chen Chih‐Cheng , Wang Chen‐Chi , Wang Ching‐Ping , Lin Tseng‐Hsi , Lin Whe‐Dar , Liu Shih‐An 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesTo determine if tranexamic acid could reduce the drainage duration after head and neck procedures.Study DesignProspective, randomized, controlled trial.MethodsPatients who underwent head and neck operations were included. The study group was treated with tranexamic acid during the perioperative period whereas the control group received normal saline solution. Blood samples were also collected.ResultsThe study and control groups consisted of 26 and 29 patients, respectively. Although there was a significant difference in the drainage amount between the two groups, (49.7 vs 88.8 mL, P = 0.041), no significant difference could be found in the drainage duration between the two groups (2.69 vs 3.07 days, P = 0.146). There was also no significant difference in the coagulation profiles between the two groups.ConclusionWe did not find a meaningful effect in reducing the drainage duration after head and neck procedures with the use of prophylactic tranexamic acid.
Prognostic influence of gender in patients with oral tongue cancer
Authors: Garavello Werner , Spreafico Roberto , Somigliana Edgardo , Gaini Lorenzo , Pignataro Lorenzo , Gaini Renato Maria 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the independent role of gender in affecting prognosis in patients with anterior tongue cancer.DesignPatients recorded in the head and neck cancer registry of Milano‐Bicocca School of Medicine between January 1981 and December 1998 were reviewed. Female patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were identified and matched to men for year of diagnosis, age, TNM classification, histologic grading, and treatment modalities. For each woman, two men were matched.ResultsSeventy‐one women and 142 men satisfied our selection criteria. The frequency of recurrences was similar in the two study groups. This event occurred in 33 (46%) women and in 78 (55%) men (Fisher exact test, P = 0.25). The survival analysis confirmed that the rate of recurrences did not differ (log‐rank test, P = 0.31). The number of cancer‐related deaths in women and men was 23 (32%) and 55 (39%), respectively (Fisher exact test, P = 0.45). The survival analysis confirmed that gender did not affect survival (log‐rank test, P = 0.34).ConclusionIn this study, gender does not influence prognosis in patients with oral tongue cancer.
Prospective study to assess vocal cord palsy investigations1
Authors: Badawey Mohamed Reda El , Punekar Samad , Zammit‐Maempel Ivan 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesTo assess the investigation and clinical outcome of patients presenting with unexplained vocal cord palsy (VCP).Study Design and MethodsA prospective cohort study designed to evaluate 86 patients with unexplained VCP presenting to our tertiary referral center.ResultsTwenty‐four (36%) patients had positive findings on CT scanning. Twenty‐one (24%) cases showed mediastinal adenopathy ± pulmonary mass. The other three cases were a thoracic aneurysm, prostatic metastasis below the skull base, and a post‐cricoid tumor. Follow‐up period was 18 to 66 months. Fifteen (24%) of the 62 patients with negative radiology recovered full vocal cord movement.ConclusionCT neck ± chest plays an important role in the evaluation of VCP patients. The majority of pertinent radiologic findings involve malignant neoplasm.
Relationship between rhinitis duration and worsening of nasal function
Authors: Giorgio Ciprandi , Ignazio Cirillo , Angela Pistorio , Stefania La Grutta 
Published: June 2008

BackgroundWhile it is well known that asthma is characterized by airway remodeling, few studies instead have investigated this issue in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate nasal function, ie, nasal airflow, in a cohort of patients with persistent AR (PER).MethodsOne hundred patients, 50 with short‐term and 50 with long‐term PER, were prospectively and consecutively evaluated, clinically evaluated by visit, skin prick test, and rhinomanometry.ResultsNasal airflow values were significantly lower (median flow: 348 mL/sec) in patients with long‐term rhinitis (median duration nine years) as compared to patients with short‐term (median duration one year) rhinitis (median flow: 466 mL/sec) (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThis study provides the first evidence that patients with PER may show a progressive worsening of nasal airflow depending on the duration of the disorder.
Cavernous haemangioma of external ear canal
Authors: Covelli E , De Seta E , Zardo F , De Seta D , Filipo R 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:The aim of this study was to document the occurrence of a cavernous haemangioma of the external auditory canal, and to review the literature on this pathology.Methods:We report the clinical presentation, imaging studies, surgical procedure and histological findings for a cavernous haemangioma of the external auditory canal.Results:This patient represents the fourth reported case of cavernous haemangioma affecting only the external auditory canal. A cavernous haemangioma of the external auditory canal, not affecting the tympanic membrane, was surgically removed, without post-operative complications.Conclusions:Cavernous haemangioma of the external auditory canal is a rare otological pathology. Computed tomography imaging is important in order to precisely define and localise the site and size of the lesion. Histological examination is necessary for the correct diagnosis of the pathology.
Integrating articulatory constraints into models of second language phonological acquisition
Authors: COLANTONI LAURA , STEELE JEFFREY 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTModels such as Eckman's markedness differential hypothesis, Flege's speech learning model, and Brown's feature-based theory of perception seek to explain and predict the relative difficulty second language (L2) learners face when acquiring new or similar sounds. In this paper, we test their predictive adequacy as concerns native English speakers’ mastery of French /ʁ/ and Spanish /ɾ/. Based on an acoustic analysis of the learner data, we demonstrate that these three models do not account for the full range of variability nor for the developmental sequences attested, because they do not consider the degree of difficulty involved in the simultaneous mastery of multiple phonetic parameters across prosodic positions. Consequently, models of L2 phonological acquisition must not only integrate findings from markedness theory and speech perception but also incorporate phonetic constraints on production.
Mapping access to food in a deprived area: the development of price and availability indices
Authors: Donkin Angela JM , Dowler Elizabeth A , Stevenson Simon J , Turner Sheila A 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and map indices to illustrate variation in the cost and availability of healthy food.DesignTwo contiguous wards in London were selected by virtue of their high Carstairs deprivation scores. A 2-km area was defined around a randomly chosen central point. All retail outlets selling food within the area were visited and their location recorded. A list of foods, acceptable to the local ethnically diverse population, which met current dietary guidelines, was devised. Data on the availability and price of 71 food items were collected. Indices were developed using SPSS and mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) software.ResultsInformation on availability and prices were collected from 199 outlets. The mean price index shows how expensive a shop is relative to other shops in the area. The least cost index shows the relative expense of a shop using the cheapest ways of buying their range of foods. Shorthand indices were tested, using data on 19 of the 71 prices. Availability indices are also discussed, including a green availability index and a fresh green availability index. Illustrative maps of the shop locations and the mean price index and fresh green availability index are shown.ConclusionsData can be collected and indices developed which indicate geographic variation in shop ‘expensiveness’, and in the price and availability of healthy food. GIS software can be used to map these indices, to identify areas with high food prices or low availability.
n-3 fatty acids from fish and coronary artery disease: implications for public health
Authors: Schmidt Erik B , Skou Helle A , Christensen Jeppe H , Dyerberg Jørn 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo review and discuss the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from fish in the prevention and, primarily, in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).DesignOverview of the literature.SettingDenmark.ResultsThere is good evidence that fish consumption may reduce the risk of CAD.ConclusionsFish can be recommended to reduce the risk of CAD both in healthy subjects and in patients with a high risk of CAD or with documented CAD. The use of fish oil concentrates can not be recommended in general, but may be considered in patients after a myocardial infarction or in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. An increased intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish may have substantial implications for public health and health economy by decreasing the risk of coronary events and sudden cardiac death.
Food patterns defined by cluster analysis and their utility as dietary exposure variables: a report from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study
Authors: Wirfält Elisabet , Mattisson Irene , Gullberg Bo , Berglund Göran 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the utility of cluster analysis in defining complex dietary exposures, separately with two types of variables.DesignA modified diet history method, combining a 7-day menu book and a 168-item questionnaire, assessed dietary habits. A standardized questionnaire collected information on sociodemographics, lifestyle and health history. Anthropometric information was obtained through direct measurements. The dietary information was collapsed into 43 generic food groups, and converted into variables indicating the per cent contribution of specific food groups to total energy intake. Food patterns were identified by the QUICK CLUSTER procedure in SPSS, in two separate analytical steps using unstandardized and standardized (Z-scores) clustering variables.SettingThe Malmö Diet and Cancer (MDC) Study, a prospective study in the third largest city of Sweden, with baseline examinations from March 1991 to October 1996.SubjectsA random sample of 2206 men and 3151 women from the MDC cohort (n=28098).ResultsBoth variable types produced conceptually well separated clusters, confirmed with discriminant analysis. ‘Healthy’ and ‘less healthy’ food patterns were also identified with both types of variables. However, nutrient intake differences across clusters were greater, and the distribution of the number of individuals more even, with the unstandardized variables. Logistic regression indicated higher risks of past food habit change, underreporting of energy and higher body mass index (BMI) for individuals falling into ‘healthy’ food pattern clusters.ConclusionsThe utility in discriminating dietary exposures appears greater for unstandardized food group variables. Future studies on diet and cancer need to recognize the confounding factors associated with ‘healthy’ food patterns.
The influence of recipe modification and nutritional information on restaurant food acceptance and macronutrient intakes
Authors: Stubenitsky K , Aaron JI , Catt SL , Mela DJ 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the influences of nutritional information and consumer characteristics on meal quality expectations, food selection and subsequent macronutrient intakes of consumers offered a reduced-fat option in a restaurant.DesignA target, full-fat (FF) main restaurant meal option was developed in a version substantially reduced in fat and energy (RF). Restaurant patrons were randomly placed into one of four treatment groups varying in provision of menu information about the target dish, and the actual version of that dish served (if ordered). A full-fat blind (FFB) control group was given no nutritional information in the menu and was served the FF version. The other three groups were all served the modified RF version: (i) reduced-fat blind (RFB), who were given no nutritional information; (ii) reduced-fat informed (RFI), who were given nutritional information; and (iii) reduced-fat informed with details (RFID), who were given the same nutritional information plus recipe modification details. Subjects rated their expected and actual liking, the pleasantness of taste, texture and appearance of the dish, how well the dish matched their expectations, and the likelihood of purchase again. Additional measures included the other dish selections, sociodemographic and attitudinal information.SettingA silver service (training) restaurant.SubjectsMembers of the public (n= 279) consuming meals in the restaurant.ResultsThe presence of nutritional information on the menu did not significantly increase subsequent intakes of energy and fat from the rest of the meal, and did not significantly influence sensory expectations or post-meal acceptance measures (which also did not differ between the FF and RF versions). Consumer characteristics relating to fat reduction attitudes and behaviours were significantly related to the selection of different dishes.ConclusionsProvision of RF alternatives in a restaurant can have significant positive dietary benefits. Menu nutritional information did not affect measures of meal acceptance. Further studies should identify which types of information formats might be most effective in enhancing the selection of ‘healthy’ options.
Food intake patterns and gallbladder disease in Mexican Americans
Authors: Tseng Marilyn , DeVellis Robert F , Maurer Kurt R , Khare Meena , Kohlmeier Lenore , Everhart James E , Sandler Robert S 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveResults of previous studies on diet and gallbladder disease (GBD), defined as having gallstones or having had surgery for gallstones, have been inconsistent. This research examined patterns of food intake in Mexican Americans and their associations with GBD.DesignCross-sectional.SubjectsThe study population included 4641 Mexican Americans aged 20–74 years who participated in the 1988–94 third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). GBD was diagnosed by ultrasound. Food intake patterns were identified by principal components analysis based on food frequency questionnaire responses. Component scores representing the level of intake of each pattern were categorized into quartiles, and prevalence odds ratios (POR) were estimated relative to the lowest quartile along with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThere were four distinct patterns in women (vegetable, high calorie, traditional, fruit) and three in men (vegetable, high calorie, traditional). After age adjustment, none were associated with GBD in women. However, men in the third (POR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.21–0.85) and fourth (POR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.28–1.01) quartiles of the traditional intake pattern were half as likely to have GBD as those in the lowest quartile.ConclusionsThese findings add to a growing literature suggesting dietary intake patterns can provide potentially useful and relevant information on diet–disease associations. Nevertheless, methods to do so require further development and validation.
The epidemiology of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in Yemen
Authors: Zein AZ , Al-Haithamy S , Obadi Q , Noureddin S 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveThis first nationwide survey was undertaken to estimate the prevalence rates and severity of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and the proportion of households consuming iodized salt.DesignThe country was stratified into two ecological zones and 30 clusters (primary schools) from each zone, including the required numbers of pupils, were selected randomly. A subsample of pupils provided urine and salt samples for the determination of urinary iodine excretion (UIE) and presence of iodate, respectively.SettingYemen.SubjectsThere were a total of 2984 pupils aged 6–12 years of whom 2003 were boys and 981 girls. The majority (1800) pupils were from the lowland/coastal areas (zone II) and the rest (1184) from the mountainous regions (zone I).ResultsThe total goitre rates (TGR) in the whole country, zones II and I were 16.8%, 31.1% and 7.4%, respectively. The TGR in zone I for males was 32.8% and 27.3% for females, while in zone II the corresponding rates were 8.1% and 5.9%, respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant. Only three cases of visible goitres were encountered. The median UIE levels in zones I, II and the whole country were 13.6, 18.9 and 17.3 μg dl−1, respectively. Based on UIE cut-off points recommended by WHO, IDD was severe in 4.7% of pupils in zone I and 2.6% in zone II. Mild and moderate IDD were found in 18.5% and 8.7% of the pupils respectively. Nearly 70% of the surveyed pupils had UIE values of > 10 μg dl−1 (no deficiency). Girls had relatively better iodine nutrition as suggested by higher levels of median UIE. In addition, across all age groups median UIE values were above 10 μg dl−1. Over half of the households consumed iodized salt.ConclusionsSince the introduction of universal salt iodization in 1996 both the prevalence and severity of IDD in Yemen were reduced markedly and Yemen can now be classified as a country with a mild IDD problem. However, the low level of households consuming iodized salt may hamper the goal of IDD elimination.