bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The course of high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein in correlation with pain and clinical function in patients with acute lumbosciatic pain and chronic low back pain—A 6 months prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Gebhardt Katja , Brenner Hermann , Stürmer Til , Raum Elke , Richter Wiltrud , Schiltenwolf Marcus , Buchner Matthias 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIn this prospective longitudinal study with a follow‐up of 6 months, the course of serum concentration of C‐reactive protein was measured by an ultrasensitive immunoassay in 31 patients with acute lumbosciatic pain and 41 patients with chronic low back pain. High‐sensitive CRP (hsCRP), pain and clinical function were assessed at ten fixed time‐points during follow‐up. The course of hsCRP values was assessed in relation to the course of pain and clinical function adjusting for possible confounding factors. At the beginning of the study, there were no statistically significant differences in mean hsCRP levels in patients with acute lumbosciatic pain (1.49 mg/l) compared to the levels obtained in patients with chronic low back pain (1.30 mg/l) and those in a control group from the general population (1.26 mg/l). In patients with acute lumbosciatic pain, hsCRP declined significantly in the initial period of 3 weeks with a corresponding decrease in pain and improvement in function and clinical evaluation as assessed with the straight leg raising test (SLR), whereas after this period, the course of the hsCRP did not correspond with the clinical parameters. In patients with chronic low back pain, hsCRP remained approximately constant throughout the whole period with no correlation with pain or function. As a conclusion, according to this study levels of hsCRP do not have a major clinical relevance when evaluating the long‐term course of patients with acute lumbosciatic pain and chronic low back pain and therefore should not be taken into primary consideration when decisions on therapy are made.
Snake remedies and eosinophilic granuloma complex in cats
Authors: Aboutboul Ronit 
Published: January 2006

AbstractEosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC) is a syndrome occurring in cats, characterized by lesions affecting the skin and the oral cavity. Conventional treatment is mainly symptomatic and may have undesirable side effects.This paper summarizes homeopathic treatment with snake remedies of cats suffering from EGC. Snake remedies were chosen by individual repertorizations and administered in different dilutions. Reactions were mostly quick, leading to significant improvements, including complete recoveries.
Homeopathic approach in the treatment of patients with mental disability
Authors: Dolce Filho R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe author describes his experience assisting mentally disabled patients with homeopathy. In these patients’ anamneses, common traits shared by some syndromes, pathologies and behaviour, were taken into consideration, mainly to choose the most characteristic symptoms in each case. The study includes 58 cases of patients suffering from this pathology: 28 females and 30 males, ages ranging from 1 to 49 years (mean 20). Forty-seven had some improvement.Homeopathy is a useful alternative to relieve pathologies associated with mental disability. In those cases in which there were similarities between remedy and whole symptomatology, improvements in adaptation skills and in overall health were observed.
Poetry and homeopathy: an exploration
Authors: Mardon Jacqueline M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper explores a relationship between poetry and homeopathy. It proposes we expand and enlighten our knowledge of the patient and develop our consultation through our experience of poetry. Within each consultation is a poem. Heightened awareness of this and many other aspects can improve the sensibilities of the practitioner and enhance deeper healing of the patient. We are challenged to respond.
Fourth Branchial Pouch Sinus: From Diagnosis to Treatment
Authors: Garrel Renaud , Jouzdani Elham , Gardiner Quentin , Makeieff Marc , Mondain Michel , Hagen Paul , Crampette Louis , Guerrier Bernard 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUNDFourth branchial pouch sinus (FBPS) is rare and frequently unknown to clinicians. Misdiagnosis is common and definitive surgery is often made difficult by previous episodes of infection and failed attempts at excision. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the diagnostic criteria and the methods used for the surgical management of FBPS.MATERIALS AND METHODFrom a series of 265 head and neck cysts and fistulae, 7 cases of FBPS were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical technique is detailed.RESULTSSix cases were located on the left side and one on the right. CT scanning showed an air‐filled structure on both sides of the lesser horn of the thyroid cartilage in 2 cases out of 4, and barium swallow found a FBPS in 1 case out of 3. Direct pharyngoscopy allowed confirmation of the diagnosis in all cases and permitted catheterization of the tract with the spring guidewire of a vascular catheter which helped surgical location and subsequent dissection. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was systematically dissected to avoid inadvertent damage. A hemi‐thyroidectomy was performed in one case. A transient laryngeal paralysis (lasting 9 months) was noted in a 3‐week‐old newborn operated on. None of the 7 cases had a recurrence after complete resection of the FBPS (3.7 years average follow‐up).CONCLUSIONSymptoms on the right side do not exclude the diagnosis of a FBPS. Endoscopy is the key investigation. It allows confirmation of the diagnosis and catheterization of the tract, which aids the surgical dissection. Total removal of the sinus tract tissue with dissection and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is recommended.EBM rating: A‐1
Recurrent Periorbital Cellulitis: An Unusual Clinical Entity
Authors: Sorin Alexander , April Max M. , Ward Robert F. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESTo discuss the cause and management of recurrent periorbital cellulitis (RPOC).STUDY DESIGNRetrospective case series and review of literature.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn the past 11 years, we have treated 6 patients for recurrent periorbital cellulitis (RPOC). Inclusion criteria were a minimum of 3 episodes of periorbital cellulitis (POC) within a 1‐year period, with interval convalescence lasting at least 1 month. All patients were followed for at least 1 year after resolution.RESULTSThe causes of RPOC were as follows: (1) 2 patients developed RPOC attributed to environmental allergies; (2) 1 was diagnosed with underlying recurrent sinusitis resistant to medical management with resolution attained through surgery; (3) 1 patient with vesicular RPOC was diagnosed with herpetic RPOC and treated medically with antiviral therapy; (4) 1 patient had allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic make‐up use; and (5) 1 patient was suspected of malingering via repeat subcutaneous self‐injection of an irritant.CONCLUSIONSAlthough periorbital cellulitis is a commonly encountered and treatable condition, recurrent periorbital cellulitis is rare and may be challenging to manage. In our experience, the causes of recurrence varied, but resolution was achieved by identifying the underlying cause through continuous clinical reassessment and by appropriate medical or surgical management.EBM rating: C‐4
Supraesophageal Reflux: Validation of a Symptom Questionnaire
Authors: Dauer E. , Thompson D. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Dierkhising R. , Harris A. , Zais T. , Alexander J. , Murray J. A. , Wise J. L. , Lim K. , Locke G. R. , Romero Yvonne 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESTo develop and validate a questionnaire for supraesophageal manifestations of reflux (SER) that will facilitate its study in clinical and research settings.STUDY DESIGNThe Supraesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (SERQ) and previously validated Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) were subjected to multiple types of validity testing, including content validity, concurrent validity, reproducibility, and predictive validity.RESULTSThe concurrent validity and reproducibility of both instruments was good to excellent for most items tested. The predictive validity of the SERQ was superior to the RSI when it included the covariates of history of sinusitis, use of over‐the‐counter antacid medications, age, gender, and body mass index.CONCLUSIONSThe SERQ will serve as both a useful clinical and research tool by offering not only SER symptom information, like the RSI, but also information about the patient's medical history and medication usage that will facilitate use of the SERQ in research protocols.EBM rating: B‐2b
Allergy Practice in the Academic Otolaryngology Setting: Results of a Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Lin Sandra Y. , Mabry Richard L. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESTo survey academic otolaryngology centers and obtain information regarding their practice of otolaryngic allergy.STUDY DESIGNA 12‐item multiple‐choice survey was sent to all academic otolaryngology department chairmen and program directors, as well as all academic liaisons known to the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.RESULTSRepresentatives of 71 of 102 (69.6%) accredited otolaryngology programs responded; 52 of 84 respondents reported an active otolaryngic allergy practice at their institution. The testing method most widely employed by those surveyed is intradermal dilutional testing (IDT). The majority of respondents (74.5%) felt that the addition of allergy increased referrals to their department, and a similar majority (72%) were operating at a profit. The most common reasons cited for adding allergy services were to meet educational and residency requirements.CONCLUSIONSThe majority of academic otolaryngology programs in the United States currently offer otolaryngic allergy services. The primary reason cited for adding these services is for educational purposes, but there appear to be potential financial benefits as well.EBM rating: C‐4
Decreased E‐Cadherin but not β‐Catenin Expression is Associated with Vascular Invasion and Decreased Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinomas
Authors: Kurtz Kevin A. , Hoffman Henry T. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Robinson Robert A. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESWe wished to correlate the expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin in squamous carcinomas of the head and neck to outcome and other clinicopathologic variables.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThis retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care setting. The tumors of 45 patients who had their head and neck squamous carcinoma primarily treated by resection were evaluated immunohistochemically with antibodies to E‐cadherin and β‐catenin. Thirty‐two tumors arose in the oral cavity, 9 tumors originated in the larynx, and 4 tumors began in the hypopharynx. Patient outcome and the clinicopathologic variables of tumor site, tumor stage, cervical lymph node status, tumor differentiation, perineural invasion, and vascular invasion were correlated to immunohistochemical expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin.RESULTSLow expression of E‐cadherin in the tumors was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (P = 0.004), disease‐free survival (P = 0.007), and vascular invasion (P = 0.02) but not with other clinicopathologic variables. β‐catenin expression was not significantly associated with any of the studied clinicopathologic variables.CONCLUSIONDecreased E‐cadherin but not β‐catenin expression is associated with decreased survival in patients with head and neck squamous carcinomas.SIGNIFICANCEDetection of loss of E‐cadherin expression may help predict which patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma will experience a worse outcome compared to patients whose tumors have not lost this tumor suppressor.EBM rating: C‐4
Internal Nasal Valve: Revisited with Objective Facts
Authors: Cem Miman Murat , Deliktaş Hacim , Özturan Orhan , Toplu Yüksel , Akarçay Mustafa 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESComprehensive examination of the internal nasal valve (INV) using objective methods.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGIn this prospective study, 248 nasal cavities were examined by nasal endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry (ARM), and rhinomanometry (RMM).RESULTSEndoscopic examination allowed to suggest a novel classification of INV: convex, concave, sharp angle, blunt angle, twisted caudal border, and angle occupied by the septal body. The INV angle occupied with septal body type was found to have increased nasal resistances compared with the sharp‐angled internal nasal valve type (P < 0.05). Convex, concave, and sharp‐angle types of INV angles were found different (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSINV should be examined objectively before any INV surgery. A novel description of the INV configurations and their effects on nasal respiration found in this study may increase our understanding and lead surgical approaches more adequately. A surgical attempt to augment INV angle value may impact positively on nasal resistance.EBM rating: C‐4
Genomic Instability in the Progression of Sporadic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Tan Guolin , Chu Yumin , Chen Jiangbo , Li Heqing 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVEGenomic instability reflecting the susceptibility of the genome to acquire multiple genetic alterations plays a major role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the extent of genomic instability in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGGenomic instability was assessed by inter—simple sequence repeats polymerase chain reaction (inter‐SSR PCR) in 38 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Characterization and verification of band alterations shared in different tumors were carried out by sequencing and nest PCR.RESULTS31 (81.6%) of 38 patients showed genomic alterations, and genomic instability index ranged from 0 to 16.2%. A gain‐based genomic damage shared in 6 tumors was identified on chromosome 6q27, a new mutator phenotype in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Significantly more genomic alteration was found in patients without 5‐year survival than that with 5‐year survival (P < 0.05), suggesting that higher genomic instability predicts a poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCEOur data suggests that genomic instability can be an early event marker in carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Also, aggravation of genomic alterations is a poor prognosis for cancer recovery.
An Anatomical Study of the Arteries of the Anterior Nasal Septum
Authors: Chiu Tor , Shaw Dunn John 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESThe anterior nasal septum is a clinically important area, yet anatomical descriptions of its arterial pattern are hitherto incomplete. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the arteries of the anterior nasal septum form a fine random network of vessels.STUDY DESIGNThe arterial pattern of the nasal septum was traced by microdissection of 12 cadaveric septa (24 sides).SETTINGEach septum was microdissected with a Watson‐Barnet dissecting microscope. Specimens were photographed and the vascular patterns were analyzed.RESULTSThe anterior septum has a consistent large arterial anastomotic triangle receiving major contributions from sphenopalatine, anterior ethmoidal, and superior labial arteries.CONCLUSIONSystematic microdissections clearly demonstrate that the arteries of the anterior septum do not form a random network. Instead, they form a consistent arterial anastomotic triangle consisting of large, thin vessels.SIGNIFICANCEThe study provides background material useful to the understanding of nasal physiology and pathology including epistaxis.
The Development of a Snoring Symptoms Inventory
Authors: Douglas Susan A. , Webster Simon , El Badawey Mohammed Reda , Drinnan Michael , Matthews John N. S. , Gibson G. John , Wilson Janet A. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESTo develop a patient‐derived snoring questionnaire, the Snoring Symptoms Inventory (SSI), and explore its structure and relationship to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); and to assess the sensitivity of the SSI to change.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThe SSI was developed from an open‐ended questionnaire given to 120 habitual snorers. The 25 symptoms reported compose the SSI. This study examines 261 subsequent snorers assessed between April 1998 and August 2002, who completed both the SSI and the ESS. Fifty‐five of them underwent laser uvulopalatoplasty and their preoperative and postoperative SSI results were compared.RESULTSThe total SSI score is the key outcome derived. Principal component analysis identified two further dimensions, one contrasting family/social with work‐related problems and another comparing physical problems with embarrassment. The total score correlated weakly with the ESS. Laser uvulopalatoplasty significantly reduced patients' overall symptom severity and family and socially related problems.CONCLUSIONThe SSI is a comprehensive and sensitive measure for assessing snoring, making it a useful clinical outcome tool for snoring treatment.SIGNIFICANCEThe SSI is a new, useful snoring questionnaire.EBM rating: B‐2b
A Targeted Endoscopic Approach to Chronic Isolated Frontal Sinusitis
Authors: Landsberg Roee , Segev Yoram , Friedman Michael , Fliss Dan M. , Derowe Ari 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESChronic isolated frontal sinusitis occurs infrequently. In this condition, most of the ethmoid cells are well aerated and the frontal sinus is involved secondary to anatomical obstruction or inflammatory changes confined to the frontal recess. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a targeted endoscopic technique where standard anterior ethmoidectomy is unnecessary in the treatment of chronic isolated frontal sinusitis.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThis retrospective study was conducted in a large university‐affiliated hospital and included 11 patients with chronic isolated frontal sinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery limited to the frontal sinus outflow. The ethmoid bulla was untouched in all cases. Follow‐up continued for 19 to 40 months (mean 28.6 months).RESULTSFrontal sinus outflow patency was verified in 9 patients (81.8%). Nine patients, including one with an apparent nonpatent frontal ostium, reported improvement. Two patients—one of whom had a patent frontal ostium—reported no improvement. There were no complications.CONCLUSIONChronic isolated frontal sinusitis can be effectively treated in selected cases by a targeted endoscopic procedure, limited to reestablishment of frontal sinus outflow.EBM rating: C‐4
Noninvasive Measurement of Ablation Crater Size and Thermal Injury after CO2 Laser in the Vocal Cord with Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Torkian Behrooz A. , Guo Shuguang , Jahng Alexander W. , Liaw Lih‐Huei L. , Chen Zhongping , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESTo characterize tissue destruction after CO2 laser‐ablation of the vocal cords with the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGOCT was used to image fresh porcine vocal cords after laser ablation. OCT and histology estimates of the ablation crater dimensions and the depth of thermal injury were obtained.RESULTSThe vocal cord substructures up to 2.29 mm in depth at 10 μm resolution, and the thermal disruption after laser ablation were identified by OCT. OCT and histology estimates of the lesion dimensions showed no significant differences. Crater depth is directly proportional to laser power, whereas crater width and the zone of thermal injury appear to be unrelated to laser power.CONCLUSIONSOCT may be used to accurately characterize the native states and the laser‐induced thermal injury of laryngeal mucosa, within the inherent limitation in its depth of penetration. OCT may be a useful diagnostic and monitoring tool in an otolaryngology practice.
Preservation of Natural Frontal Sinus Outflow in the Management of Frontal Sinus Osteomas
Authors: Dubin Marc G. , Kuhn Frederick A. 
Published: January 2006

INTRODUCTIONManagement of frontal sinus tumors has traditionally been through open approaches with obliteration of the sinus. Recently, increased comfort with endoscopic techniques has made endoscopic resection an alternative to more morbid approaches. However, many skilled endoscopists still champion obliteration of the frontal sinus after the open treatment of large osteomas.METHODSA retrospective review of the senior author's experience with frontal sinus osteomas was performed.RESULTSTwelve frontal sinus osteomas were treated surgically without obliteration. All patients with greater than 2 cm vertical extension of their tumor into the frontal sinus required an open approach (n = 4), whereas the remainder (n = 8) were treated endoscopically. Frontal ostia were stented if greater that 40% of the mucosa of the frontal recess was denuded. Eleven of 12 patients had patent, functional frontal sinuses.CONCLUSIONSuccessful resection of frontal sinus osteomas can be performed with preservation of the natural drainage of the frontal sinus in almost all cases.EBM rating: C‐4
Long‐Term Effectiveness of Ear‐Level Devices for Tinnitus
Authors: Folmer Robert L. , Carroll Jennifer R. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESThis study was undertaken to assess long‐term changes in tinnitus severity exhibited by patients who purchased and used ear‐level devices (hearing aids or sound generators).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGPatients were evaluated and treated within a comprehensive tinnitus management program. Follow‐up questionnaires were mailed to patients 6 to 48 months after their initial appointment.RESULTSFollow‐up questionnaires from 150 patients were reviewed. Fifty patients purchased and used hearing aids, 50 patients purchased and used in‐the‐ear sound generators for an average of 18 months after their initial appointment; 50 patients did not use ear‐level devices. At follow‐up, all 3 groups of patients exhibited significant reductions in Tinnitus Severity Index scores and self‐rated tinnitus loudness. Patients who used ear‐level devices reported greater improvement than patients who did not use hearing aids or sound generators.CONCLUSIONSEar‐level devices such as hearing aids or sound generators can help a significant number of patients who experience chronic tinnitus. Both types of devices reduce patients' perception of tinnitus and can facilitate habituation to the symptom. Amplification provides additional benefits of improved hearing and communication.
Malondialdehyde Level and Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Okur Erdogan , Inanc Fatma , Yildirim Ilhami , Kilinc Metin , Kilic M. Akif 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESAlthough there are many reports on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in different tissues, no information is available about the enzyme activity in nasal mucosa and polyp tissues. Whereas ADA is related to the production of free radicals by neutrophils, malondialdehyde (MDA) is an indicator of lipid peroxidation that is a general mechanism of tissue damage by free radicals. This study is aimed at determining and comparing the ADA activity and MDA level in nasal polyps and normal mucosa.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGTwenty‐three patients with nasal polyps and a control group consisting of 14 patients with septal deviation and lower turbinate hypertrophy were included in the study. Tissue MDA level was measured by the method of Okawa with modification and tissue ADA activity by the method of Giusti.RESULTSIn patients with nasal polyp, mean tissue MDA level and ADA activity were 2.43 ± 0.38 nmol/mg protein (Pr) and 0.235 ± 0.055 U/mg Pr, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of control nasal mucosa (1.03 ± 0.41 nmol/mg protein and 0.056 ± 0.011 U/mg Pr, respectively) (P < 0.05). In addition, tissue MDA level was positively correlated to ADA activity in nasal polyps (r = 0.701, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThe present study showed the presence of detectable ADA activity in nasal mucosa, and also significant increases in both tissue MDA level and ADA activity in NP tissue when compared to normal turbinate tissue.EBM rating: B‐2b