bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Classification of Variations in the Anatomy of the Sigmoid Sinus
Authors: Sarmiento Pedro Blanco , Eslait Francisco Gonzalez 
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVEAnalyze the variability of anatomic relations between the sigmoid sinus and other surgical landmarks within the mastoid cavity to establish a classification of sinus location to facilitate surgical planning.STUDY DESIGNA descriptive study of surgical landmarks using 96 temporal bones from the Temporal Bone Laboratory at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Valle University at Cali, Colombia.METHODSA dissection simulating a canal wall‐up mastoidectomy extended to include exposure of the facial recess, epitympanum, and sigmoid sinus was performed on 96 adult disease‐free temporal bones. Seven standard measurements were taken on each bone between the sigmoid sinus and other structures in the mastoid cavity. All data were analyzed using Epi‐Info 2000.RESULTSThis parametric study was consistent with three classes of anatomic variations in the location of the sigmoid sinus (type 1, type 2, and type 3) based on a Gaussian distribution of the seven variables.CONCLUSIONSVariability in the anatomic location of the sigmoid sinus in the mastoid cavity is common and has surgical relevance.SIGNIFICANCEThis classification will help to rapidly identify the sigmoid sinus relationship within the mastoid cavity and to use the sigmoid sinus as a landmark during ear surgery in those cases in which traditional landmarks, such as the posterior auditory canal wall or the semicircular canals, are destroyed by a pathologic process.
Sclerotherapy for Congenital Lesions in the Head and Neck
Authors: Kim Kwang Hyun , Sung Myung‐Whun , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Han Moon Hee 
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVESThis study retrospectively reviews the results of sclerotherapy using several sclerosants for congenital lesions of the head and neck.METHODS AND PATIENTSBetween May 1990 and May 2002, patients with lymphatic malformations were treated by sclerotherapy; 10 with bleomycin, and 25 with OK‐432. OK‐432 sclerotherapy was also applied in 9 patients with plunging ranula and in 1 patient with branchial anomaly. Percutaneous sclerotherapy with ethanolamine oleate was used in 29 patients with venous malformations, and 28 patients with pyriform sinus fistula were treated by trichloroacetic acid chemocauterization.RESULTSOverall, two thirds of patients with these lesions showed marked to complete response. One case of mortality occurred in the bleomycin sclerotherapy group. However, no major complications by other sclerosants were found. In lymphatic malformations, history of excision before sclerotherapy was a poor prognostic factor.CONCLUSIONSclerotherapy using these sclerosants is a safe and effective primary treatment for congenital lesions in the head and neck.
The Usefulness of Cytokeratin Immunohistochemistry in Detection of Lymph Node Micrometastasis in Neck Dissection Specimens
Authors: Kwon Soon‐Young , Kim Hyung‐Jin , Woo Jeong‐Su , Jung Kwang‐Yoon , Kim Insun 
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVEOur study was designed to find out the rate and the characteristics of micrometastasis in cervical lymph nodes using immunohistochemical staining.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGFrom 69 patients, 1710 lymph nodes negative for metastasis on hematoxylin‐eosin stain, were examined. Immunohisto‐chemical stain was performed using pan‐cytokeratin AE1/AE3 antibody.RESULTSIn 13 cases, occult lymph node metastasis was detected by immunohistochemical method. On retrospective review of the hematoxylin‐eosin stain by the pathologist, lymph node metastasis was detected in 4 of 13 patients.CONCLUSIONSBecause the immunohistochemical method enhanced the detection rate of occult micrometastasis in cervical lymph nodes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, it may be recommended for routine diagnostic use in patient with negative for a lymph node metastasis on routine hematoxylin‐eosin stain.
Advances in Congenital Aural Atresia Surgery: Effects on Outcome
Authors: Teufert Karen Borne , De La Cruz Antonio 
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVESTo compare modifications in the surgical technique of congenital aural atresia (use of argon laser, thinner split‐thickness skin graft, Silastic sheets in the external auditory canal, and Merocel wicks) by examining hearing results and complications before and after initiation of these changes.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGRetrospective chart review of patients who underwent congenital aural atresiaplasty between 1985 and 2002 in a tertiary referral neurotologic private practice. Complication rates and hearing results were compared before (n = 36) and after (n = 80) modifications in the surgical technique.RESULTSClosure of the air‐bone gap to 30 dB or less at short‐term follow‐up occurred in 63.1% of surgeries performed after modifications in the surgical technique and 44.5% of surgeries performed before these changes. The long‐term postoperative air‐bone gap was 30 dB or less in 50.0% of the surgeries performed after and 47.1% of the cases performed before the changes in surgical technique. Soft tissue stenosis and bony growth of the external auditory canal were seen in 3.8% of surgeries performed after and 13.9% of surgeries performed before the surgical technique changes. Ossicular chain refixation occurred in 3.8% of surgeries performed after and 25.0% of surgeries performed before such changes. There were no dead ears and no facial palsies.CONCLUSIONThe use of argon laser, thinner split‐thickness skin graft, Silastic sheets in the external auditory canal, and Merocel wicks, as a group, has helped to improve hearing results and decrease the incidence of complications in congenital aural atresia surgery.SIGNIFICANCERefinements in surgical techniques can lead to measurable improvements in outcome in atresiaplasty.
Impact of Image Guidance on Complications During Osteoplastic Frontal Sinus Surgery
Authors: Sindwani Raj , Metson Ralph 
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the impact of image‐guidance technology on intraoperative complications during frontal sinus obliteration surgery.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGRetrospective case control. Twenty‐four patients underwent frontal sinus obliteration with image‐guidance technology (n = 15) or conventional instrumentation (n = 9) between 1992 and 2003. The image‐guidance system was used to delineate the frontal sinus perimeter and direct cuts through the frontal bone.RESULTSIntraoperative complications occurred in none of the patients in the image‐guidance group and in 3 patients in the control group (P = 0.042). Adverse events included dural tear with CSF leak in 2 patients and exposure of orbital fat in 1 patient. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar between groups (P = 0.326). No patients required revision surgery. Mean follow‐up was 5.2 years.CONCLUSIONSThe use of surgical navigation during frontal sinus obliteration appears to improve intraoperative safety.SIGNIFICANCEThis is the first report to document a reduction in the rate of intraoperative complications when image guidance is utilized for frontal sinus surgery.
Amino‐truncated amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ5‐40/42) produced from caspase‐cleaved amyloid precursor protein is deposited in Alzheimer’s disease brain
Authors: Takeda Kazuya , Araki Wataru , Akiyama Haruhiko , Tabira Takeshi 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTCaspase activation and apoptosis are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In view of the finding that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) undergoes caspase‐mediated cleavage in the cytoplasmic region, we analyzed amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) production in human neuronal and nonneuronal cells expressing wild‐type APP and the caspase‐cleaved form of APP (APPΔC). Biochemical analyses, including immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry, revealed that APPΔC‐expressing cells secrete increased levels of amino‐terminally truncated Aβ5‐40/42 and reduced levels of Aβ1‐40/42, compared with wild‐type APP‐expressing cells. We propose that Aβ5‐40/42 is derived from alternative β‐cleavage of APP by α‐secretase‐like protease(s), based on data from treatment of cells with inhibitors of BACE and α‐secretase. Apoptosis induction resulted in this alternative cleavage of APP in wild‐type APP‐expressing cells. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of the AD brain with an end‐specific antibody to Aβ5‐40/42 revealed peptide deposits in vascular lesions with amyloid angiopathy. The data collectively suggest that caspase cleavage of APP leads to increased production and deposition of Aβ5‐40/42 in the AD brain, and highlight the significance of amino‐truncated Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD.
Increased arginase II and decreased NO synthesis in endothelial cells of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Xu Weiling , Kaneko F. Takao , Zheng Shuo , Comhair Suzy A. A. , Janocha Allison J. , Goggans Tannishia , Thunnissen Frederik B. J. M. , Farver Carol , Hazen Stanley L. , Jennings Constance , Dweik Raed A. , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Erzurum Serpil C. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a fatal disease of unknown etiology characterized by impaired regulation of pulmonary hemodynamics and vascular growth, is associated with low levels of pulmonary nitric oxide (NO). Based upon its critical role in mediating vasodilation and cell growth, decrease of NO has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PAH. We evaluated mechanisms for low NO and pulmonary hypertension, including NO synthases (NOS) and factors regulating NOS activity, i.e. the substrate arginine, arginase expression and activity, and endogenous inhibitors of NOS in patients with PAH and healthy controls. PAH lungs had normal NOS I–III expression, but substrate arginine levels were inversely related to pulmonary artery pressures. Activity of arginase, an enzyme that regulates NO biosynthesis through effects on arginine, was higher in PAH serum than in controls, with high‐level arginase expression localized by immunostaining to pulmonary endothelial cells. Further, pulmonary artery endothelial cells derived from PAH lung had higher arginase II expression and produced lower NO than control cells in vitro. Thus, substrate availability affects NOS activity and vasodilation, implicating arginase II and alterations in arginine metabolic pathways in the pathophysiology of PAH.
Visceral schistosomiasis of domestic animals in India: humoral immune status of infected cattle, sheep and goats against major polypeptide antigens of Schistosoma indicum and S. spindale
Authors: Singh A. , Singh A. , Chaudhri S. S. 
Published: September 2004

SUMMARY Polypeptide profiles of Schistosoma indicum and S. spindale adult worm homogenates were obtained by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Humoral immune status of infected cattle, sheep and goats against Schistosoma indicum and S. spindale Ags was determined by immunoblot analysis and by indirect ELISA using four major polypeptides of approximate molecular masses 45 kDa, 40 kDa, 28 kDa and 15 kDa electro‐eluted from the gel slices. Cattle sera samples had higher levels of antibodies against Si/s40 and Si/s28 than against Si/s45 antigen. Reasons have been discussed for the absence of detectable levels of anti‐Si/s28, ‐Si/s45 and ‐Si/s40 antibodies in a significant number of sera samples from S. indicum egg‐positive sheep.
A gene encoding, prespore‐cell‐inducing factor in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Kawata Takefumi , Nakagawa Manabu , Shimada Nao , Fujii Shigeru , Oohata Akiko A. 
Published: September 2004

Two factors that exist in conditioned medium (CM) of Dictyostelium discoideum induce amoebae to differentiate into prespore cells when they are incubated at a very low cell density in submerged monolayer culture. Previously, we purified one of them, a glycoprotein factor with an apparent molecular mass of 106 kDa, and we named it ψ factor (psi, prespore‐inducing factor). Based on the partial amino acid sequence of the purified ψ factor, we have isolated the corresponding cDNA clone, which is expressed maximally at the loose mound stage. The cDNA encodes a novel protein and the predicted molecular mass of the mature secreted protein is 60 kDa. Knockout mutant strains of the ψ factor gene, psiA–, were created by targeted integration. Although these mutant strains appear to develop normally, CM from these mutants showed reduced prespore‐cell‐inducing activity. Rescuing the mutant strains by expression of ψ factor under control of a constitutive promoter causes overproduction of ψ factor protein and CM from such cells showed a 20‐fold higher level of prespore‐cell‐inducing activity than that from wild‐type cells. Further, CM from parental cells induced prespore cell division, while that from psiA null strains showed no cell division inducing activity. Our results indicate that ψ factor protein is a novel type of growth factor that does not belong to any of the families of growth factor so far identified in animals.
Kawasaki disease with severe cardiac sequelae: Lessons from recent New Zealand experience
Authors: Wilson N , Heaton P , Calder L , Nicholson R , Stables S , Gavin R 
Published: September 2004

Objectives:  To review recent cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) with significant cardiac sequelae in New Zealand. It is known that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) reduces the risk of coronary artery aneurysm formation if given within 8−10 days of onset of KD.Methods:  Retrospective review of medical course, criteria for KD, laboratory and cardiac findings for six children identified with KD and significant coronary artery sequelae.Results:  There was delay in diagnosis of KD in three of the six children. Three cases were atypical by extremes of age (2 months, 10 years, 14 years). By definition all six children had significant coronary artery involvement. One patient had a thrombus detected in a coronary aneurysm 3 weeks after KD. One patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting for unstable angina 2 years after KD. One patient developed coronary artery aneurysms after an initial ‘toxic shock’ type illness evolving to KD. Three patients died, one due to rupture of a coronary artery aneurysm, two from rapid early coronary artery obstruction occurring at three and 4 months after initial KD.Conclusions:  Kawasaki disease remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity for children. Diagnostic delay beyond 8 days reduces the chances of successful IVIG therapy in KD. Current studies supported by the Paediatric Surveillance Unit should establish the epidemiology of KD in New Zealand.
Effect of religious observance on infants’ sleep position in the Jewish population
Authors: Sivan Y , Reisner S , Amitai Y , Wasser J , Nehama H , Tauman R 
Published: September 2004

Objectives:  To describe the effect of the level of religiousness on infants’ sleep position in the Jewish population.Methods:  A longitudinal telephone survey of randomly selected 608 2‐month‐old Jewish infants repeated at 4 and 6 months. Results were analyzed versus the four levels of Jewish religion observance.Results:  A significant correlation was found between the level of religious practice and sleep position (P ≤ 0.002). 56.8% (50/88) of ultra‐orthodox parents put their babies to sleep in the non‐prone position, compared with 79% (411/520) in the other three groups (P < 0.001). Non‐prone sleeping decreased when infants grew. Higher parity correlated with the level of religiousness and with prone sleeping in religious families (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.00−1.33, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Jews and especially the ultra‐orthodox families comply significantly less with recommendations to avoid prone sleeping. Specific measures may be required in this population that rely more on personal experience and belief than on health care provider advice.
Use of intranasal midazolam to treat acute seizures in paediatric community settings
Authors: Harbord MG , Kyrkou NE , Kyrkou MR , Kay D , Coulthard KP 
Published: September 2004

Objectives:  To evaluate the acceptability of intranasal midazolam (INM) in acute seizure management in the community.Methods:  Parents and staff in residential and educational settings were trained in first aid and seizure management and the administration of INM. Feedback was obtained from those who had given INM over the 30‐month period September 2000−March 2003.Results:  Intranasal midazolam was administered to 22 children for a total of 54 seizures (range 1−6 seizures each). The dose was 0.2−0.3 mg/kg rounded down to 1 or 2 of the 5 mg in 1‐mL plastic ampoules, with the anticonvulsant instilled into the child's nose directly from the plastic ampoule. Seizures were effectively stopped on 48 occasions, i.e. 89%, while no respiratory arrests occurred. Thirty carers had given INM to a convulsing child and 27 (90%) reported no difficulty in administering it. Fifteen people had also previously administered rectal diazepam and INM was considered easier to administer than rectal diazepam by 13 while a preference to use INM rather than rectal diazepam was indicated by 14.Conclusion:  This study has shown that INM is an acceptable treatment option as a first aid response for acute seizures. We believe that INM should be considered as the preferred alternative in the community setting, as it is easier to administer and is more dignified for the patient than rectal diazepam.
Entry in a Dynamic Model with Equilibrium Price Dispersion with an Application to the Market for Long‐Distance Telephone Services
Authors: Nayyar Ashish 
Published: September 2004

AbstractModels of entry based on the traditional models of oligopoly do not allow for price dispersions on homogenous products. Yet, such price dispersions do exist for homogenous products, and a firm does not lose its entire market share when it fails to charge the lowest price. Existing models of equilibrium price dispersion are not designed to analyze entry in a dynamic framework. A dynamic model is developed that allows an analysis of the effects of entry into a previously monopolized market. Despite asymmetric initial shares, the market shares of equally efficient firms tend to equalize over time. An application is the market for long‐distance telephone services following the divestiture of the bell operating companies from AT&T.
Sunshine is good medicine. The health benefits of ultraviolet‐B induced vitamin D production
Authors: Grant W B , Strange R C , Garland C F 
Published: September 2004

SummaryMost public health statements regarding exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) recommend avoiding it, especially at midday, and using sunscreen. Excess UVR is a primary risk factor for skin cancers, premature photoageing and the development of cataracts. In addition, some people are especially sensitive to UVR, sometimes due to concomitant illness or drug therapy.However, if applied uncritically, these guidelines may actually cause more harm than good. Humans derive most of their serum 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) from solar UVB radiation (280–315 nm). Serum 25(OH)D3 metabolite levels are often inadequate for optimal health in many populations, especially those with darker skin pigmentation, those living at high latitudes, those living largely indoors and in urban areas, and during winter in all but the sunniest climates. In the absence of adequate solar UVB exposure or artificial UVB, vitamin D can be obtained from dietary sources or supplements.There is compelling evidence that low vitamin D levels lead to increased risk of developing rickets, osteoporosis and osteomaloma, 16 cancers (including cancers of breast, ovary, prostate and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma), and other chronic diseases such as psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, myopathy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, hyperparathyroidism and susceptibility to tuberculosis.The health benefits of UVB seem to outweigh the adverse effects. The risks can be minimized by avoiding sunburn, excess UVR exposure and by attention to dietary factors, such as antioxidants and limiting energy and fat consumption. It is anticipated that increasing attention will be paid to the benefits of UVB radiation and vitamin D and that health guidelines will be revised in the near future.
The treatment of leg telangiectasia
Authors: Neumann H A M , Kockaert M A 
Published: September 2004

SummaryLeg telangiectasia is more difficult to treat than facial telangiectasia. Investigations may be needed to elucidate the origin of the telangiectasia. In cases of venous insufficiency, investigation of venous haemodynamics is desirable. Treatment is primarily by sclerotherapy, including foam sclerotherapy. Light and laser treatments are also effective, especially for telangiectasia up to 1 mm in diameter. New developments incorporate longer pulse durations, such as frequency‐doubled neodynium YAG and diode lasers as well as intense pulsed light. After all treatment methods, compression for 48 h using pads, bandages or hosiery is recommended. As with all cosmetic procedures, patients need to be tutored comprehensively about anticipated results and possible complications or side‐effects.
Patient satisfaction with laser hair removal
Authors: Preston P W , Lanigan S W 
Published: September 2004

SummaryBackground  Laser hair removal (LHR) is a widely used treatment for unwanted hair.Aim  To determine patient satisfaction with LHR.Methods  The clinic offered LHR by long pulse ruby, alexandrite and Nd:YAG. Patients attending the LHR clinic completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Satisfaction with LHR treatment was recorded on a linear analogue scale (LAS 0 = laser very much worse than alternative method; 10 = laser very much better than the alternative method).Results  In terms of hair removal, 71% of patients were satisfied with their treatment. Laser treatment compared favourably with electrolysis and waxing. LHR scored 8.6 when compared with electrolysis and 7.7 when compared with waxing. During LHR treatments, 61% of patients used fewer ancillary methods than before. Most patients would recommend LHR to other persons with unwanted hair.Conclusions  Most patients were satisfied with LHR.
Human Cytomegalovirus TRS1 Protein Is Required for Efficient Assembly of DNA-Containing Capsids
Authors: Adamo Joan E. , Schröer Jörg , Shenk Thomas 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

The human cytomegalovirus tegument protein, pTRS1, appears to function at several discrete stages of the virus replication cycle. We previously demonstrated that pTRS1 acts during the late phase of infection to facilitate the production of infectious virions. We now have more precisely identified the late pTRS1 function by further study of a mutant virus lacking the TRS1 region, AD
sub
TRS1. We observed a significant reduction in the production of capsids, especially DNA-containing C-capsids, in mutant virus-infected cells. AD
sub
TRS1 exhibited normal cleavage of DNA concatemers, so the defect in C-capsid production must occur after DNA cleavage and before DNA is stably inserted into a capsid. Further, the normal virus-induced morphological reorganization of the nucleus did not occur after infection with the pTRS1-deficient mutant.