bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ingestion of Caustic Substances: A 15‐Year Experience
Authors: Arévalo‐Silva Carlos , Eliashar Ron , Wohlgelernter Jay , Elidan Josef , Gross Menachem 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to analyze the circumstance, demographic features, clinical findings, and complications of caustic ingestion in relation to the type and amount of caustic substance.Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center.Methods: The authors reviewed medical records from 1988 to 2003 of patients with a history of caustic ingestion and clinical signs of injury to the aerodigestive tract. Parameters examined included age at presentation, gender, demographic status, nature of the caustic substance ingested, amount of substance, circumstance of the event, diagnostic tools, degree of injury, and anatomic distribution of the injury, early and late complications, and requirement for ventilatory support.Results: A total of 50 cases of caustic ingestion were identified (age range, 5 months‐71 years). A biphasic distribution of the patients was noted; half were children under 5 years old and the remainder was adults. The most common caustic agent ingested was alkaline (42%) followed by acidic (32%) and chlorine bleach (26%). The most frequent cause for ingestion was accidental (67%) as opposed to attempt suicide (33%). All cases of attempted suicide occurred in adults. Most of them reported ingestion of large amounts of caustic substance. In the pediatric group, an association between the caustic agent and ethnicity was observed. Among Jewish children, alkaline cleaning agents were the most common cause (82%). Acetic acid was the most common substance ingested by the Arab children (100%). The findings of rigid esophagoscopy in 36 patients were as follows: first‐degree esophageal injury in 16 (44%), second‐degree in 6 (17%), third‐degree in 7 (19%), fourth‐degree in 6 (17%), and one (3%) was normal. Mucosal injury to the esophagus was worse in the acidic ingestion group as compared with the alkaline substance ingestion group with marginally statistically significant difference in the median degree of injury between the three types of ingested substances (P = .054). Mucosal injury to the esophagus was worse among patients who attempted suicide as compared with accidental ingestion with a statistically significant difference in the median degree of injury between the two reasons for ingestion (P = .002).Conclusion: Severity of injury from caustic ingestion damages depend on the type of ingested substance, which varies depending on ethnicity. Ingestion of caustic agents by children involves specific substances according to the season, cultural and religious festivals, and ethnicity. The majority of adult cases are intentional with more serious injuries and a higher rate of complications. In our series, ingestion of acidic substances and ingestion associated with suicide attempt had the most severe consequences.
Early Endoscopic Treatment of Acute Inflammatory Airway Lesions Improves the Outcome of Postintubation Airway Stenosis
Authors: Nouraei S A. Reza , Singh Arvind , Patel Anil , Ferguson Catriona , Howard David J. , Sandhu Guri S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to compare the results of treating acute postintubation stenotic airway lesions with the results of treating mature lesions and to assess whether early intervention improves the outcome.Methods: Patients without previous surgery, treated for postintubation airway stenosis, were reviewed. Those with airway lesions presenting within weeks of intubation (n = 11) were treated with intralesional steroids, laser reduction, and balloon dilatation. Patients with mature airway lesions (n = 20) were initially treated with laser, balloon dilatation, and topical mitomycin C. Preoperative patient and lesion characteristics, details of the treatment, and intervention‐free intervals were recorded. Data were compared with unpaired Student t test or χ2 test as appropriate, and intervention‐free intervals were compared with log‐rank statistics. Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of intervention‐free interval.Results: There were 18 males and 13 females. The average age at presentation was 47 ± 2.7 years. The two groups were statistically comparable for demographic and lesion characteristics. Patients treated for acute injury required significantly fewer interventions (P < .03), the majority being treated with a single treatment. They had a significantly longer intervention‐free interval (P < .02; log‐rank analysis) and did not require external laryngotracheal reconstruction (P < .001) compared with patients treated for mature fibrotic scars leading to airway stenosis.Conclusions: Early treatment of acute fibroinflammatory airway lesions has the potential to favorably modify the natural history of postintubation tracheal injury, raising the tantalizing possibility of an early cure. These findings have significant implications for early identification, referral, and treatment of postintubation tracheal stenosis and need to be confirmed with further studies.
Gleevec Suppresses p63 Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Despite p63 Activation by DNA‐Damaging Agents
Authors: Ongkeko Weg M. , An Yi , Chu Theresa S. , Aguilera Joseph , Dang Christopher L. , Wang‐Rodriguez Jessica 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of Gleevec on p63 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and to investigate the role of Gleevec in regulating p63 stabilization under DNA‐damaging conditions.Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine p63 expression in HNSCC tissue. Annexin V staining was used to assess the effects of p63 on early apoptosis. Immunoblotting was used to examine the effects of Gleevec on p63 protein levels in HNSCC cell lines in response to DNA damage. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to study the expression pattern of p63 and c‐Abl.Results: In HNSCC, p63 protein levels are induced by DNA‐damaging agents, including ionizing radiation, doxorubicin, and ultraviolet light. We demonstrate that Gleevec reduces p63/ΔNp63 expression in a dose‐dependent manner in HNSCC and overrides the protein induction by DNA‐damaging agents. Overexpression of c‐Abl in the absence of Gleevec results in higher levels of p63 than those treated with Gleevec, implicating c‐Abl kinase activity as a regulator of p63 protein stability.Conclusions: Gleevec downregulates p63/ΔNp63 levels in HNSCC in a dose‐dependent manner under both normal and DNA‐damaging conditions. This downregulation can be explained by Gleevec's inhibition of c‐Abl, which destabilizes p63. Based on our data, treating cancers with high expression of TAp63 with Gleevec may result in the unfavorable inhibition of a tumor suppressor, whereas downregulation of ΔNp63 would be advantageous. Further development of antibodies that can discriminate between TAp63 and ΔNp63 will be needed to determine the specific effects of Gleevec on p63 in HNSCC.
Multimodality Approach to Management of the Paralyzed Face
Authors: Hadlock Tessa A. , Greenfield Laura J. , Wernick‐Robinson Mara , Cheney Mack L. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives: Despite the ability of facial reanimation techniques to introduce meaningful movement to the paralyzed face, dynamic methods do not address all zones of the face. Our objective was to retrospectively review outcomes after multimodality management of the patient with facial paralysis, to describe several novel surgical methods that introduce subtle improvements in static facial balance, and to present an algorithm for comprehensive management of the paralyzed face.Methods/Results: Three hundred thirty‐seven patients with facial paralysis were seen and treated in a busy facial nerve center setting over a 3‐year period using a range of standard muscle transfers, physical therapy, chemodenervation with botulinum toxin, and static surgical techniques. Three adjunct techniques emerged as novel and useful procedures that more fully addressed facial balance issues than existing techniques. Of patients proceeding with physical therapy, greater than 80% of patients experienced a benefit, and 97% of those who proceeded with botulinum toxin therapy experienced a benefit.Conclusions: Facial paralysis is best managed using a multimodality approach that includes surgical interventions, physical therapy, and chemodeneveration. We describe three adjunctive surgical techniques for management of the paralyzed face and present a comprehensive algorithm for management of the paralyzed face. That may provide improved function and cosmesis in all zones of the paralyzed face.
Coordination of Swallowing and Respiration in Normal Sequential Cup Swallows
Authors: Dozier Thomas S. , Brodsky Martin B. , Michel Yvonne , Walters Bobby C. , Martin‐Harris Bonnie 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives: To establish normative data on laryngeal vestibular closure patterns and respiratory phase patterns during sequential cup swallows in healthy adults.Study Design: Cross‐sectional study.Methods: Combined videofluoroscopic and respiratory phase recordings were analyzed in 70 healthy adults during 50 mL sequential liquid cup swallows. The following dependent variables were measured offline from the digitized recordings: 1) number of swallows, 2) number of ingestion cycles (IC) (period of sustained apnea including 1 or more swallows), 3) opening of the laryngeal vestibule after each swallow, and 4) respiratory phase surrounding each IC. Patients were grouped according to the position of the larynx after each swallow.Results: The mean number of swallows was 4.35, and the mean number of ICs was 3.28. Laryngeal vestibular opening after swallows was categorized into three groups: Always Open = 67.1%, Mixed (Open and Closed) = 31.4%, Always Closed = 1.4%. Statistical differences were not found in laryngeal opening pattern by age or sex, but the Always Open group had fewer swallows (4.02 vs. 5.23, P = .008) and a greater number of ICs (3.62 vs. 2.41, P = .001) than the Mixed Group. Respiratory phase after IC was expiration in 79% and inspiration in 21%.Conclusions: Normal patterns of laryngeal vestibular closure and respiratory phase coordination during sequential swallowing have been described for the first time. The high occurrence of inspiration and laryngeal vestibular opening that surrounds sequential liquid cup swallows when compared with previous findings in single, discrete swallows may place patients with swallowing disorders at greater risk during this task.
Parathyroid Adenoma Localization: Surgeon‐Performed Ultrasound Versus Sestamibi
Authors: Steward David L. , Danielson Gregory P. , Afman Chad E. , Welge Jeffrey A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives: Compare surgeon‐performed ultrasound versus sestamibi for preoperative parathyroid adenoma localization.Study Design: Single‐institutional cohort.Methods: One hundred six consecutive patients undergoing parathyroidectomy at an academic institution between 2004 to 2005 were included. Of those, 103 underwent both surgeon‐performed ultrasound and sestamibi‐Tc99m localization preoperatively. Primary outcome is sensitivity for adenoma localization to correct quadrant (right vs. left, superior vs. inferior).Results: Hypercalcemia resolved in 97% of patients. Sensitivities for correct quadrant localization for ultrasound versus sestamibi were 87% versus 58% (P < .001). Specificities were 95%. Positive and negative predictive values were 85% versus 78% and 96% versus 87%, respectively. Combined sensitivity was 93%. Sensitivities for correct side localization were 91% and 74% (P = .002).Conclusions: Ultrasound appears more sensitive than sestamibi for localization to correct quadrant or side when performed in‐office by the author in this cohort.
Use of Er,Cr:YSGG Versus Standard Lasers in Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty for Treatment of Snoring
Authors: Pavelec Vaclav , Polenik Pavel 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives:The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Er,Cr:YSGG (Waterlase) laser with KTP and CO2lasers in laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) for treatment of snoring.Study Design:This is a prospective study of 63 patients who were treated for snoring by LAUP either with Er,Cr:YSGG (n = 21) or with KTP (n = 21) or CO2lasers (n = 21). Histologic analysis was performed, and the effects of KTP and Waterlase on soft tissue were compared.Methods:Patients were examined by an ENT surgeon and tested with polysomnography. Probands who suffered from obstructive sleep apnea or had an apnea‐hypopnea index of 15 or greater were excluded from the study. The remaining patients were assigned to either Er,Cr:YSGG, KTP, or CO2laser therapy. The three lasers were compared from a postoperative recovery point of view by immunohistochemical examination.Results:Pain medications were used on average for 4.1, 6.5, and 10.1 days, and the times to return to normal diet were on average 4.5, 6.8, and 8.6 days in the Er,Cr:YSGG, KTP, and CO2groups, respectively. Two cases of bleeding were observed in the CO2group. Foreign body sensation occurred in 14%, 19%, and 19% of subjects in the Er,Cr:YSGG, KTP, and CO2groups, respectively. Velopharyngeal insufficiency was noticed in one KTP treated patient; however, it was transient. Snoring and apnea‐hypopnea index was significantly reduced in all groups. Significantly larger coagulation of soft tissue was found in the KTP group than in the Waterlase group.Conclusions:Patients treated with Waterlase recovered more quickly in comparison with patients in the KTP and CO2groups, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical findings. The laser techniques did not differ in effectiveness.
Pilot Study of Mucosal Genetic Differences in Early Smokers and Nonsmokers
Authors: Smith Richard V. , Schlecht Nicolas F. , Childs Geoffrey , Prystowsky Michael B. , Belbin Thomas J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground: Global gene expression analysis is proving to be an important means of assessing human tumors and may identify key components of carcinogenesis or clinical prognosis. This technique has been successfully applied to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and thyroid carcinomas; however, little has been done to evaluate premalignant states.Methods: Human buccal mucosal cells were sampled from smokers and nonsmokers using a noninvasive brush technique. The method was validated by assessing the quantity and quality of RNA obtained. The purified RNA was then assayed using cDNA microarrays containing 27,323 cDNA clones to examine the buccal mucosa in these patients for differences in gene expression patterns. Using unsupervised and supervised hierarchical clustering methods, we developed a gene profile signature for an initial training set of smokers and nonsmokers and then used this to predict smoking status in a subsequent test set of subjects. Selected genes were then cross‐referenced with previously published gene sets found in HNSCC identified by our group.Results: Nineteen subjects were used in this pilot analysis, 9 smokers and 10 nonsmokers. Smoking among the study group ranged from 1 to 60 pack years. RNA purified from buccal mucosal brushing demonstrated a high degree of similarity in gene expression profiles among independent samples. Through the application of supervised clustering techniques, we were able to identify 113 genes whose expression differed significantly between samples from smokers and nonsmokers (t test, P < .001). This expression signature was able to accurately predict who within the second set of subjects were smokers, with the exception of one person who had a minimal tobacco history and clustered with the nonsmokers. Cross‐referencing data with that found in HNSCC, we were able to identify a tumor suppressor gene involved in the c‐myc pathway (Mxi1) that was similarly under‐expressed in smokers and cancer patients with progressive disease.Conclusions: Although the sample size was small in this preliminary dataset, our analysis revealed several groups of genes that were either over‐ or under‐expressed in the smokers and which could be used to predict smoking exposure. Many of these represent genes of possible interest as early molecular markers for head and neck carcinogenesis.
The refolding of different α‐fetoprotein variants
Authors: Leong Susanna S.J. , Middelberg Anton P.J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe effect of glycosylation on AFP foldability was investigated by parallel quantitative and qualitative analyses of the refolding of glycosylated and nonglycosylated AFP variants. Both variants were successfully refolded by dialysis from the denatured‐reduced state, attaining comparable “refolded peak” profiles and refolding yields as determined by reversed‐phase HPLC analysis. Both refolded variants also showed comparable spectroscopic fingerprints to each other and to their native counterparts, as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Inclusion body‐derived AFP was also readily refolded via dilution under the same redox conditions as dialysis refolding, showing comparable circular dichroism fingerprints as native nonglycosylated AFP. Quantitative analyses of inclusion body‐derived AFP showed sensitivity of AFP aggregation to proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous inclusion body contaminants, where refolding yields increased with increasing AFP purity. All of the refolded AFP variants showed positive responses in ELISA that corresponded with the attainment of a bioactive conformation. Contrary to previous reports that the denaturation of cord serum AFP is an irreversible process, these results clearly show the reversibility of AFP denaturation when refolded under a redox‐controlled environment, which promotes correct oxidative disulfide shuffling. The successful refolding of inclusion body‐derived AFP suggests that fatty acid binding may not be required for the attainment of a rigid AFP tertiary structure, contrary to earlier studies. The overall results from this work demonstrate that foldability of the AFP molecule from its denatured‐reduced state is independent of its starting source, the presence or absence of glycosylation and fatty acids, and the refolding method used (dialysis or dilution).
Genetic factors involved in the development of Helicobacter pylori‐related gastric cancer
Authors: Hamajima Nobuyuki , Naito Mariko , Kondo Takaaki , Goto Yasuyuki 
Published: August 2006

Developmental process to gastric cancer by Helicobacter pylori infection consists of three steps: (1) H. pylori infection; (2) gastric atrophy development; and (3) carcinogenesis. In each step, genetic traits may influence the process, interacting with lifestyle. In the step of H. pylori infection, two lines of genetic polymorphisms were assumed: one influencing gastric acid inhibition interacting with smoking, and the other concerning innate immune response attenuation. The former includes functional polymorphisms of IL‐1B (C‐31T or tightly linked T‐511C), and TNF‐A (T‐1031C and C‐857T), and the latter possibly includes NQO1 C609T. In the step to gastric atrophy, polymorphisms pertaining to the signal transduction from cytotoxin‐associated gene A (PTPN11 A/G at intron 3) and to T‐cell responses (IL‐2 T‐330G and IL‐13 C‐1111T) were hypothesized. There are a limited number of epidemiological genotype studies on the final step of literal carcinogenesis, potentially interacting with smoking, a low vegetable and fruit intake, and salty foods, the well‐documented risk factors. In past case‐control studies on the associations between genotype and gastric cancer risk, the cases consisted of H. pylori‐related and unrelated gastric cancer patients and the controls consisted of individuals including the uninfected (H. pylori unexposed and exposed) and the infected with and without gastric atrophy. Accordingly, it was not clear whether the observed risk was for H. pylori‐related or ‐unrelated gastric cancer, nor which step was involved in the observed associations even when nearly all cases were H. pylori‐related. In order to elucidate the genetic traits of H. pylori‐related gastric cancer, stepwise evaluation will be required. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1129–1138)
Recent insights into R gene evolution
Authors: MCDOWELL JOHN M. , SIMON STACEY A. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYPlants are under strong evolutionary pressure to maintain surveillance against pathogens. Resistance (R) gene‐dependent recognition of pathogen avirulence (Avr) determinants plays a major role in plant defence. Here we highlight recent insights into the molecular mechanisms and selective forces that drive the evolution of NB‐LRR (nucleotide binding‐leucine‐rich repeat) resistance genes. New implications for models of R gene evolution have been raised by demonstrations that R proteins can detect cognate Avr proteins indirectly by ‘guarding’ virulence targets, and by evidence that R protein signalling is regulated by intramolecular interactions between different R functional domains. Comparative genomic surveys of NB‐LRR diversity in different species have revealed ancient NB‐LRR lineages that are unequally represented among plant taxa, consistent with a Birth and Death Model of evolution. The physical distribution of NB‐LRRs in plant genomes indicates that tandem and segmental duplication are important factors in R gene proliferation. The majority of R genes reside in clusters, and the frequency of recombination between clustered genes can vary strikingly, even within a single cluster. Biotic and abiotic factors have been shown to increase the frequency of recombination in reporter transgene‐based assays, suggesting that external stressors can affect genome stability. Fitness penalties have been associated with some R genes, and population studies have provided evidence for maintenance of ancient R allelic diversity by balancing selection. The available data suggest that different R genes can follow strikingly distinct evolutionary trajectories, indicating that it will be difficult to formulate universally applicable models of R gene evolution.
Absolute lymphocyte count predicts overall survival in follicular lymphomas
Authors: Siddiqui Mustaqeem , Ristow Kay , Markovic Svetomir N. , Witzig Thomas E. , Habermann Thomas M. , Colgan Joseph P. , Inwards David J. , White William L. , Ansell Stephen M. , Micallef Ivana N. , Johnston Patrick B. , Call Timothy G. , Porrata Luis F. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThe peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor for survival for different haematologic malignancies. The role of ALC at diagnosis for follicular (grades 1 and 2) lymphomas (FL) on survival is not well described. The primary objective of this study was to assess the role of ALC on overall survival (OS) in FL patients. Of 1104 FL patients, 228 patients were originally diagnosed, followed, and had all treatment at the Mayo Clinic from 1984 and 1999, were evaluated. The median follow‐up was 89 months (range: 8·35–248). ALC as a continuous variable was identified as a predictor for OS [Hazard ratio (HR) = 0·74, P < 0·04]. ALC ≥ 1·0 × 109/l (n = 164) predicted a longer OS versus ALC < 1·0 × 109/l (n = 64; 175 vs. 73 months respectively, P < 0·0001). When compared with the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), ALC was an independent prognostic factor for OS by multivariate analysis (HR = 0·677, P < 0·0001). These data suggest a critical role of FL patients’ immune status at diagnosis on survival.