bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients Older than Sixty
Authors: Colclasure J. Chris , Gross Charles W. , Kountakis Stilianos E. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVERhinosinusitis is the sixth most common chronic condition of the elderly. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has developed over the last 20 to 30 years into a widely accepted treatment modality for chronic rhinosinusitis in adults who have failed maximal medical management. The aim of this study was investigate the safety and efficacy of FESS in the geriatric population as compared to that of the adult population.METHODSRetrospective review of prospective measurement of outcomes in consecutive patients over 60 years of age who underwent FESS. Fifty‐six patients over 60 years of age underwent FESS and were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months with the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐20 (SNOT‐20) questionnaire, and a rigid nasal endoscopy scoring system. Data analysis was performed using the Student's t test to compare mean scores. Any complications were noted.RESULTSPatients evaluated by the SNOT‐20 scoring system experienced 64% improvement of symptom scores at 3 months, 73% improvement at 6 months, and 75% improvement at 12 months. Rigid nasal endoscopy scores improved by 76% at 3 months, 65% at 6 months, and 76% at 12 months. There were very few minor complications and no major complications of the surgery. These results are comparable to those of the literature that address outcomes in the adult population undergoing FESS.CONCLUSIONSFESS in the geriatric population is a safe and effective treatment modality for rhinosinusitis that is refractory to medical therapy. EBM rating: C.
Resorption Rate and Biocompatibility Characteristics of Two Polyester Ventilation Tubes in a Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Massey Becky L. , Wen Xuejun , Rohr L. Ralph , Tresco Patrick A. , Dahlstrom Lisa , Park Albert H. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVESDetermine the resorption rate and biocompatibility characteristics of 2 polyester ventilation tubes, and to determine whether soap and water exposure accelerates polyester tube degradation.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING50/50 poly (D, L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide; PLGA‐50) and poly (L‐lactide; PLA) polymers were placed into the tympanic membranes of Hartley pigmented guinea pigs. Integrity of the tubes was determined by weekly otoscopic examination. Biocompatibility was assessed by comparing auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and by examining tympanic membrane changes following tube resorption. Shah minigrommet ventilation tubes were used as controls. In the second portion of this study, implanted PLGA‐50 and PLA tubes were exposed weekly to a mixture of soap and water (1:5) until complete resorption was observed. Biocompatibility was assessed by periodic ABR testing and tympanic membrane examination.RESULTSThe PLA tubes remained in the tympanic membrane for a longer period (63.2 ± 19.3 days) than the PLGA‐50 (18.8 ± 8.1 days). The tympanic membrane and resorbable tube interface demonstrated equivalent findings for auditory thresholds and tissue histopathology at the implant site compared to nonresorbable controls. The resorption behavior was not altered by exposure to soap and water. Tympanic membranes of all animals following tube degradation and soap water exposure were intact with minimal scarring and no signs of persistent foreign body response. The histological analysis showed that implantation of resorbable tubes was not accompanied by secondary infection with otorrhea through the tube, did not result in a permanent perforation or dislocation of the tube into the middle ear cavity, and was not followed by excess tympanosclerosis or localized or diffuse membrane atrophy.CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCEResorbable polyester pressure equalization tubes demonstrate predictable resorption behavior and similar bio‐compatibility characteristics when compared with nonresorbable Shah minigrommet ventilation tubes. Exposure to soap water does not accelerate polyester tube degradation nor change the host tissue response during the indwelling period or after complete resorption. The data suggests that resorbable ventilation tubes are substantially equivalent to other FDA‐approved tympanostomy devices with regard to safety and biocompatibility in the guinea pig model examined and may provide improved clinical performance by combining this approach with sustained release technology. EBM rating: B‐2.
Treatment of 125 Sinonasal Tumors: Prognostic Factors, Outcome, and Follow‐up
Authors: Blanch José L. , Ruiz Aída M. , Alos Llúcia , Traserra‐Coderch Josep , Bernal‐Sprekelsen Manuel 
Published: December 2004

We reviewed our experience with sinonasal cancer patients to assess the prognostic factors. Between 1974 and 1995, we enrolled 125 patients (58 + 16 years [mean age + SD]; 94 males and 31 females). Tumor stage distribution was: T1, 64 patients; T2, 36 patients; and T3, 25 patients. Surgery as a primary treatment was selected for 106 patients (55 cases of surgery alone, 40 cases of surgery plus radiotherapy, and 11 cases of surgery plus chemotherapy with/ without radiotherapy). The 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year overall survival was 75.0%, 37.2%, and 24.7%, respectively. The parameters with statistical prognostic significance were nodal stage, locoregional failure, and tumor stage. Histological type and primary site had no prognostic value. There were no significant survival differences between surgery alone and surgery plus radiotherapy. Sinonasal tumors have a poor survival, despite early diagnosis, radical surgical resection, and strict follow‐up. Radiotherapy seems not to be clearly necessary in stage T1.
Impaired Visual Suppression of Manually Rotated Vestibuloocular Reflex Indicates the Need of Further Evaluation by MRI and MRA in Patients with Vertigo
Authors: Shiomi Yosaku , Shiomi Yoshiko , Oda Naoharu , Fujihara Mitsuko 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVEMRI and MRA are accepted as valuable methods for diagnosing vertigo, although they are costly and time‐consuming. Thus, some indicator of the necessity of a detailed evaluation by MRI and MRA is desirable.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGTo assess the usefulness of an impairment of the visual suppression (VS) as an indicator, the relation between abnormal findings on MRI and/or MRA and impairment of the VS of manually rotated vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) was retrospectively examined in 40 consecutive patients suffering from vertigo.RESULTS12 of 23 patients with a low VS% were found to have a pathologic condition on MRI and/or MRA, however, no abnormality was found in any of the patients with a normal VS%. The rates of abnormality on MRI and/or MRA significantly differed between the 2 groups (X 2, P = 0.0004).CONCLUSIONThe VS% is thought to be a good indicator of the need for further evaluation by MRI and MRA in vertiginous patients.
Conventional Behind‐the‐Ear Hearing Aids after Subtotal Petrosectomy with Blind Sac Closure
Authors: McNeill Celene , Flint David , Fagan Paul 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo overcome the limitations of monaural hearing resulting from a subtotal petrosectomy and blind sac closure by fitting of a behind‐the‐ear hearing aid.STUDY DESIGNThree patients were fitted with aids. Patient satisfaction and the decision to buy the aids were recorded.RESULTSThree patients reported good hearing result despite the absence of the middle ear structures.CONCLUSIONFor patients troubled by the limitations imposed on hearing with a unilateral conductive loss following a subtotal petrosectomy and blind sac closure, a behind‐the‐ear aid is a simple and easy option to try, if the residual canal allows fitting of the aid.
The late Quaternary limnological history of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Israel
Authors: Hazan N. , Stein M. , Agnon A. , Marco S. , Nadel D. , Negendank J.F.W. , Schwab M.J. , Neev D. 
Published: December 2004

The freshwater Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and the hypersaline Dead Sea are remnant lakes, evolved from ancient water bodies that filled the tectonic depressions along the Dead Sea Transform (DST) during the Neogene–Quartenary periods. We reconstructed the limnological history (level and composition) of Lake Kinneret during the past ∼40,000 years and compared it with the history of the contemporaneous Lake Lisan from the aspect of the regional and global climate history. The lake level reconstruction was achieved through a chronological and sedimentological investigation of exposed sedimentary sections in the Kinnarot basin trenches and cores drilled at the Ohalo II archeological site. Shoreline chronology was established by radiocarbon dating of organic remains and of Melanopsis shells.The major changes in Lake Kinneret level were synchronous with those of the southern Lake Lisan. Both lakes dropped significantly ∼42,000, ∼30,000, 23,800, and 13,000 yr ago and rose ∼39,000, 26,000, 5000, and 1600 yr ago. Between 26,000 and 24,000 yr ago, the lakes merged into a unified water body and lake level achieved its maximum stand of ∼170 m below mean sea level (m bsl). Nevertheless, the fresh and saline water properties of Lake Kinneret and Lake Lisan, respectively, have been preserved throughout the 40,000 years studied. Calcium carbonate was always deposited as calcite in Lake Kinneret and as aragonite in Lake Lisan–Dead Sea, indicating that the Dead Sea brine (which supports aragonite production) never reached or affected Lake Kinneret, even during the period of lake high stand and convergence. The synchronous level fluctuation of lakes Kinneret, Lisan, and the Holocene Dead Sea is consistent with the dominance of the Atlantic–Mediterranean rain system on the catchment of the basin and the regional hydrology. The major drops in Lake Kinneret–Lisan levels coincide with the timing of cold spells in the North Atlantic that caused a shut down of rains in the East Mediterranean and the lakes drainage area.
Noncompetitive antagonism of BIBN4096BS on CGRP‐induced responses in human subcutaneous arteries
Authors: Sheykhzade Majid , Lind Henrik , Edvinsson Lars 
Published: December 2004

We investigated the antagonistic effect of 1‐piperidinecarboxamide, N‐[2‐[[5amino‐l‐[[4‐(4‐pyridinyl)‐l‐piperazinyl]carbonyl]pentyl]amino]‐1‐[(3,5‐dibromo‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)methyl]‐2‐oxoethyl]‐4‐(1,4‐dihydro‐2‐oxo‐3(2H)‐quinazolinyl) (BIBN4096BS) on the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP)‐induced responses by using isometric myograph and FURA‐2 technique in human subcutaneous arteries removed in association with abdominal surgery.
BIBN4096BS, at the concentration of 1 pM, had no significant effect on the CGRP‐induced relaxation in these vessels.
At the concentration of 10 pM, BIBN4096BS had a competitive antagonistic‐like behaviour characterized by parallel rightward shift in the log CGRP concentration‐tension curve with no depression of the Emax.
At the higher concentrations (0.1 and 1 nM), BIBN4096BS had a concentration‐dependent noncompetitive antagonistic effect on the CGRP‐induced responses.
The efficacy and potency of CGRP was significantly greater in the smaller (lumen diameter ∼200 μm) human subcutaneous arteries compared to the larger ones.
The apparent agonist equilibrium dissociation constant, KA, for CGRP1 receptors in the human subcutaneous arteries was approximately 1 nM. Analysis of the relationship between receptor occupancy and response to CGRP indicates that the receptor reserve is relatively small.
Using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), the presence of mRNA sequences encoding the calcitonin receptor‐like receptor, receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP1, RAMP2, RAMP3) and receptor component protein were demonstrated in human subcutaneous arteries, indicating the presence of CGRP1‐like receptor and the necessary component for the receptor activation.
In conclusion, the inhibitory action of BIBN4096BS at the low concentration (10 pM) on the CGRP‐tension curve (but not intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) resembles what is seen with a reversible competitive antagonist. However, at the higher concentrations (0.1 and 1 nM), BIBN4096BS acts as a selective noncompetitive inhibitor at CGRP1 receptors in human subcutaneous arteries.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 1066–1073. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705967
Molecular Bases for Sensitivity to Tubulin-Binding Herbicides in Green Foxtail
Authors: Délye Christophe , Menchari Yosra , Michel Séverine , Darmency Henri 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
We investigated the molecular bases for resistance to several classes of herbicides that bind tubulins in green foxtail (Setaria viridis L. Beauv.). We identified two α- and two β-tubulin genes in green foxtail. Sequence comparison between resistant and sensitive plants revealed two mutations, a leucine-to-phenylalanine change at position 136 and a threonine-to-isoleucine change at position 239, in the gene encoding α2-tubulin. Association of mutation at position 239 with herbicide resistance was demonstrated using near-isogenic lines derived from interspecific pairings between green foxtail and foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.), and herbicide sensitivity bioassays combined with allele-specific PCR-mediated genotyping. Association of mutation at position 136 with herbicide resistance was demonstrated using herbicide sensitivity bioassays combined with allele-specific PCR-mediated genotyping. Both mutations were associated with recessive cross resistance to dinitroanilines and benzoic acids, no change in sensitivity to benzamides, and hypersensitivity to carbamates. Using three-dimensional modeling, we found that the two mutations are adjacent and located into a region involved in tubulin dimer-dimer contact. Comparison of three-dimensional α-tubulin models for organisms with contrasted sensitivity to tubulin-binding herbicides enabled us to propose that residue 253 and the vicinity of the side chain of residue 251 are critical determinants for the differences in herbicide sensitivity observed between organisms, and that positions 16, 24, 136, 239, 252, and 268 are involved in modulating sensitivity to these herbicides.
Root-to-Shoot Transport of Sulfate in Arabidopsis. Evidence for the Role of SULTR3;5 as a Component of Low-Affinity Sulfate Transport System in the Root Vasculature
Authors: Kataoka Tatsuhiko , Hayashi Naomi , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Takahashi Hideki 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Xylem transport of sulfate regulates distribution of sulfur in vascular plants. Here, we describe SULTR3;5 as an essential component of the sulfate transport system that facilitates the root-to-shoot transport of sulfate in the vasculature. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), SULTR3;5 was colocalized with the SULTR2;1 low-affinity sulfate transporter in xylem parenchyma and pericycle cells in roots. In a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) expression system, sulfate uptake was hardly detectable with SULTR3;5 expression alone; however, cells coexpressing both SULTR3;5 and SULTR2;1 showed substantial uptake activity that was considerably higher than with SULTR2;1 expression alone. The Vmax value of sulfate uptake activity with SULTR3;5-SULTR2;1 coexpression was approximately 3 times higher than with SULTR2;1 alone. In Arabidopsis, the root-to-shoot transport of sulfate was restricted in the sultr3;5 mutants, under conditions of high SULTR2;1 expression in the roots after sulfur limitation. These results suggested that SULTR3;5 is constitutively expressed in the root vasculature, but its function to reinforce the capacity of the SULTR2;1 low-affinity transporter is only essential when SULTR2;1 mRNA is induced by sulfur limitation. Consequently, coexpression of SULTR3;5 and SULTR2;1 provides maximum capacity of sulfate transport activity, which facilitates retrieval of apoplastic sulfate to the xylem parenchyma cells in the vasculature of Arabidopsis roots and may contribute to the root-to-shoot transport of sulfate.
Inhibition of Blue Light-Dependent H+ Pumping by Abscisic Acid through Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Dephosphorylation of the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase in Guard Cell Protoplasts
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wang Hengbin , Takemiya Atsushi , Song Chun-peng , Kinoshita Toshinori , Shimazaki Ken-ichiro 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Blue light (BL)-dependent H+ pumping by guard cells, which drives stomatal opening, is inhibited by abscisic acid (ABA). We investigated this response with respect to the activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase using Vicia guard cell protoplasts. ATP hydrolysis by the plasma membrane H+-ATPase, phosphorylation of the H+-ATPase, and the binding of 14-3-3 protein to the H+-ATPase stimulated by BL were inhibited by ABA at 10 μ m. All of these responses were similarly inhibited by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 1 mm. The ABA-induced inhibitions of BL-dependent H+ pumping and phosphorylation of the H+-ATPase were partially restored by ascorbate, an intracellular H2O2 scavenger. A single-cell analysis of the cytosolic H2O2 using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin revealed that H2O2 was generated by ABA in guard cell protoplasts. We also indicated that H+ pumping induced by fusicoccin and the binding of 14-3-3 protein to the H+-ATPase were inhibited slightly (approximately 20%) by both ABA and H2O2. By contrast, H2O2 at 1 mm did not affect H+ pumping by the H+-ATPase in microsomal membranes. From these results, we concluded that inhibition of BL-dependent H+ pumping by ABA was due to a decrease in the phosphorylation levels of H+-ATPase and that H2O2 might be involved in this response. Moreover, there are at least two inhibition sites by ABA in the BL signaling pathway of guard cells.
Aluminum Resistance in Maize Cannot Be Solely Explained by Root Organic Acid Exudation. A Comparative Physiological Study
Authors: Piñeros Miguel A. , Shaff Jon E. , Manslank Holly S. , Carvalho Alves Vera M. , Kochian Leon V. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Root apical aluminum (Al) exclusion via Al-activated root citrate exudation is widely accepted as the main Al-resistance mechanism operating in maize (Zea mays) roots. Nonetheless, the correlation between Al resistance and this Al-exclusion mechanism has not been tested beyond a very small number of Al-resistant and Al-sensitive maize lines. In this study, we conducted a comparative study of the physiology of Al resistance using six different maize genotypes that capture the range of maize Al resistance and differ significantly in their genetic background (three Brazilian and three North American genotypes). In these maize lines, we were able to establish a clear correlation between root tip Al exclusion (based on root Al content) and Al resistance. Both Al-resistant genotypes and three of the four Al-sensitive lines exhibited a significant Al-activated citrate exudation, with no evidence for Al activation of root malate or phosphate release. There was a lack of correlation between differential Al resistance and root citrate exudation for the six maize genotypes; in fact, one of the Al-sensitive lines, Mo17, had the largest Al-activated citrate exudation of all of the maize lines. Our results indicate that although root organic acid release may play a role in maize Al resistance, it is clearly not the only or the main resistance mechanism operating in these maize roots. A number of other potential Al-resistance mechanisms were investigated, including release of other Al-chelating ligands, Al-induced alkalinization of rhizosphere pH, changes in internal levels of Al-chelating compounds in the root, and Al translocation to the shoot. However, we were unsuccessful in identifying additional Al-resistance mechanisms in maize. It is likely that a purely physiological approach may not be sufficient to identify these novel Al-resistance mechanisms in maize and this will require an interdisciplinary approach integrating genetic, molecular, and physiological investigations.
Nuclear SDH2-1 and SDH2-2 Genes, Encoding the Iron-Sulfur Subunit of Mitochondrial Complex II in Arabidopsis, Have Distinct Cell-Specific Expression Patterns and Promoter Activities
Authors: Elorza Alvaro , León Gabriel , Gómez Isabel , Mouras Armand , Holuigue Loreto , Araya Alejandro , Jordana Xavier 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Three different nuclear genes encode the essential iron-sulfur subunit of mitochondrial complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), raising interesting questions about their origin and function. To find clues about their role, we have undertaken a detailed analysis of their expression. Two genes (SDH2-1 and SDH2-2) that likely arose via a relatively recent duplication event are expressed in all organs from adult plants, whereas transcripts from the third gene (SDH2-3) were not detected. The tissue- and cell-specific expression of SDH2-1 and SDH2-2 was investigated by in situ hybridization. In flowers, both genes are regulated in a similar way. Enhanced expression was observed in floral meristems and sex organ primordia at early stages of development. As flowers develop, SDH2-1 and SDH2-2 transcripts accumulate in anthers, particularly in the tapetum, pollen mother cells, and microspores, in agreement with an essential role of mitochondria during anther development. Interestingly, in contrast to the situation in flowers, only SDH2-2 appears to be expressed at a significant level in root tips. Strong labeling was observed in all cell layers of the root meristematic zone, and a cell-specific pattern of expression was found with increasing distance from the root tip, as cells attain their differentiated state. Analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis plants carrying SDH2-1 and SDH2-2 promoters fused to the β-glucuronidase reporter gene indicate that both promoters have similar activities in flowers, driving enhanced expression in anthers and/or pollen, and that only the SDH2-2 promoter is active in root tips. These β-glucuronidase staining patterns parallel those obtained by in situ hybridization, suggesting transcriptional regulation of these genes. Progressive deletions of the promoters identified regions important for SDH2-1 expression in anthers and/or pollen and for SDH2-2 expression in anthers and/or pollen and root tips. Interestingly, regions driving enhanced expression in anthers are differently located in the two promoters.
Differential Expression on a Daily Basis of Plastid Sigma Factor Genes from the Moss Physcomitrella patens. Regulatory Interactions among PpSig5, the Circadian Clock, and Blue Light Signaling Mediated by Cryptochromes
Authors: Ichikawa Kazuhiro , Sugita Mamoru , Imaizumi Takato , Wada Masamitsu , Aoki Setsuyuki 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The nuclear-encoded plastid sigma factors are supposed to be a regulatory subunit of the multisubunit bacteria-type plastid RNA polymerase. We studied here whether or not three genes, PpSig1, PpSig2, and PpSig5 encoding plastid sigma factors, are controlled by the circadian clock and/or by blue light signaling in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Among the three PpSig genes, only PpSig5 was clearly controlled by the circadian clock. In contrast to the differential regulation on a daily timescale, a pulse of blue light induced the expression of all the three PpSig genes. This induction was significantly reduced in a knockout mutant that lacked the blue light photoreceptor cryptochromes PpCRY1a and PpCRY1b, indicating that PpCRY1a and/or PpCRY1b mediate the blue light signal that induces the expression of the PpSig genes. In a daily cycle of 12-h blue light/12-h dark, the timing of peak expression of PpSig5 and a chloroplast gene psbD, encoding the D2 subunit of photosystem II, advanced in the cryptochrome mutant relative to those in the wild type, suggesting the presence of regulatory interactions among the expression of PpSig5 and psbD, the circadian clock, and the blue light signaling mediated by the cryptochrome(s).