bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smallpox: What Every Otolaryngologist Should Know
Authors: Tennyson Heath C. , Mair Eric A. 
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVEIn light of recent terrorist events and the potential threat of smallpox as a biological agent, we present information concerning smallpox to better inform the otolaryngologist concerning this disease and its prevention.STUDY DESIGNWe performed a review of the smallpox and smallpox vaccination literature over the past 200 years using MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Internet site, World Health Organization Internet site, and references found in previous publications not found in MEDLINE or PREMEDLINE. Our search focused on the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, course, unique manifestations in the head and neck, diagnosis, and treatment of smallpox, as well as the method of smallpox vaccination, vaccination contraindications, and complications.RESULTSSmallpox is a viral disease with a high mortality rate. Its clinical course, manifestations, and methods of prevention are carefully analyzed in light of otolaryngology practice.CONCLUSIONSmallpox manifestations in the head and neck often presented as acute airway obstruction and also as long‐term sequelae such as ectropion, nasal vestibular stenosis, conductive hearing loss, and blindness. Most chronic sequelae involve the head and neck. Smallpox vaccination is effective but not without potential serious risks. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:323–33.)
Vaccine‐Preventable Pediatric Postmeningitic Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Southern India
Authors: Cherukupally Shilpa Reddy , Eavey Roland 
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVEThe study goal was to assess vaccine‐preventable pediatric postmeningitic sensorineural hearing loss in southern India.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGWe conducted a prospective pilot study from January through March 2001 in a tertiary pediatric hospital in southern India.RESULTSSixty‐five patients were studied. Thirty‐five (54%) patients had positive cerebrospinal fluid cultures, with the most common organisms being Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. An additional 10 (15%) patients were diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis. Of 28 patients who could comply with audiometric evaluations, 8 (28%) had sensorineural hearing loss.CONCLUSIONSThe etiologic organisms of bacterial meningitis in this study population are similar to those organisms in the developed world, with the minority exception of tuberculous meningitis. Further, a similar prevalence of postmeningitic sensorineural hearing loss occurred.SIGNIFICANCEAn effective vaccination program against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b should reduce the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss due to bacterial meningitis in developing countries with similar bacterial profiles. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:339–343.)
Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Vagotonic, Adrenergic, and Random Episodes of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ORAL HAKAN , CHUGH AMAN , SCHARF CHRISTOPH , HALL BURR , CHEUNG PETER , VEERAREDDY SRIKAR , DANESHVAR GERALD F. , PELOSI FRANK , MORADY FRED 
Published: April 2004

Introduction: Based on the clinical history, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) may be classified as vagotonic, adrenergic, or random. It is unclear whether pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is equally effective for these types of PAF. Methods and Results: Segmental ostial ablation to isolate the PVs was performed in 188 consecutive patients (mean age 53 ± 12 years) with PAF. Based on the clinical history, PAF was classified as random in 136 patients (72%), adrenergic in 30 (16%), and vagotonic in 22 (12%). Three or four PVs were targeted for isolation in all patients, and successful isolation was achieved in 96% of targeted PVs. At 1‐year follow‐up, 69% of patients with random AF, 83% of patients with adrenergic AF, and 50% of patients with vagotonic AF were free from recurrent episodes of AF in the absence of any antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Vagotonic AF was an independent clinical predictor of recurrent AF (P = 0.03). Conclusion: PV isolation has a lower efficacy in patients with vagotonic PAF than in patients with adrenergic or random episodes of PAF, suggesting that the PVs less often play an important role in vagotonic PAF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 402‐405, April 2004)
Quality‐of‐Life Effects of Psychosocial Intervention in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Hammerlid Eva , Persson Lars‐Olof , Sullivan Marianne , Westin Thomas 
Published: April 2004

METHODSTwo studies of psychosocial interventions in head and neck cancer patients at different stages of their disease were performed. We explored the feasibility and effectiveness of different approaches, offered for the first time to this population. The first study concerned long‐term group psychological therapy for patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer. Quality of life was measured longitudinally for 1 year and compared with that of a control group. The second study comprised a short‐term psychoeducational program 1 year after treatment for head and neck cancer. Quality‐of‐life assessments were made repeatedly from diagnosis until 1 month after the intervention. RESULTS: Thirteen patients started the psychological group therapy, and 8 of them completed both the intervention and evaluation procedure. The quality of life of the therapy group improved more than that of a control group in most areas measured during the study year, in particular psychiatric morbidity, social functioning, emotional functioning, and global quality of life. The results indicate benefits from the therapy, although the therapy group scored worse than the control group at diagnosis. Most of the variables representing functioning and symptoms improved after the 1‐week psychoeducational program, especially items reflecting “trouble eating” and “problems enjoying your meals.” Patients' judgments of the intervention quality indicated satisfaction with all separate elements, mostly education, about cancer and the opportunity to socialize with the other guests.CONCLUSIONThese pilot studies suggest that head and neck cancer patients can benefit from different psychosocial interventions. Quality‐of‐life questionnaires were well accepted and sensitive to changes during the studies. Thus our early findings seem promising and would justify confirmation in larger studies. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;120:507‐16.)
Long‐Term Growth of a Vascularized Auricular Perichondrocutaneous Flap in Laryngotracheal Reconstruction
Authors: Hoff Paul T. , Esclamado Ramon M. 
Published: April 2004

This study addresses the potential for ongoing cartilage proliferation after repair of laryngotracheal stenosis with vascularized perichondrium. We randomly assigned 32 New Zealand white rabbits to 1 of 3 groups: group 1 (early cartilage growth, n = 10), group 2 (long‐term cartilage growth after pedicle ligation, n = 11), and group 3 (long‐term cartilage growth without pedicle ligation, n = 11). Bilateral auricular perichondrocutaneous flaps were elevated and transposed into full‐thickness anterior tracheal wall or anterior cricothyroid membrane defects. Six weeks after elevation of the flap, animals were randomly assigned to undergo ligation of either the right or left vascular pedicle (group 2), with the contralateral auricular flap used as a matched control (group 3). Neochondrogenesis was present at 6 weeks in group 1 (0.74 ± 0.14 mm, n = 12 ears). Cartilage thickness did not differ between groups 2 and 3 one year after ligation of the vascular pedicle: group 2 (0.48 ± 0.24 mm, n = 18) versus group 3 (0.42 ± 0.12 mm); P > 0.05. We conclude that in the rabbit model, chondrogenesis did not appear to be ongoing and did not result in late stenosis of the reconstructed airway. Furthermore, delayed ligation of the vascular pedicle neither inhibited nor stimulated cartilage proliferation.
ArrayNorm: comprehensive normalization and analysis of microarray data
Authors: Pieler R. , Sanchez-Cabo F. , Hackl H. , Thallinger G. G. , Trajanoski Z. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Summary: ArrayNorm is a user-friendly, versatile and platform-independent Java application for the visualization, normalization and analysis of two-color microarray data. A variety of normalization options were implemented to remove the systematic and random errors in the data, taking into account the experimental design and the particularities of every slide. In addition, ArrayNorm provides a module for statistical identification of genes with significant changes in expression.
Availability: The package is freely available for academic and non-profit institutions from http://genome.tugraz.at
A novel method for estimating ancestral amino acid composition and its application to proteins of the Last Universal Ancestor
Authors: Brooks D. J. , Fresco J. R. , Singh M. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Knowledge of how proteomic amino acid composition has changed over time is important for constructing realistic models of protein evolution and increasing our understanding of molecular evolutionary history. The proteomic amino acid composition of the Last Universal Ancestor (LUA) of life is of particular interest, since that might provide insight into the early evolution of proteins and the nature of the LUA itself.
Results: We introduce a method to estimate ancestral amino acid composition that is based on expectation–maximization. On simulated data, the approach was found to be very effective in estimating ancestral amino acid composition, with accuracy improving as the number of residues in the dataset was increased. The method was then used to infer the amino acid composition of a set of proteins in the LUA. In general, as compared with the modern protein set, LUA proteins were found to be richer in amino acids that are believed to have been most abundant in the prebiotic environment and poorer in those believed to have been unavailable or scarce. Additionally, we found the inferred amino acid composition of this protein set in the LUA to be more similar to the observed composition of the same set in extant thermophilic species than in extant mesophilic species, supporting the idea that the LUA lived in a thermophilic environment.
Availability: The program is available at http://compbio.cs.princeton.edu/ancestralaa
POLYVIEW: a flexible visualization tool for structural and functional annotations of proteins
Authors: Porollo Aleksey A. , Adamczak Rafal , Meller Jaroslaw 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Summary: The POLYVIEW visualization server can be used to generate protein sequence annotations, including secondary structures, relative solvent accessibilities, functional motifs and polymorphic sites. Two-dimensional graphical representations in a customizable format may be generated for both known protein structures and predictions obtained using protein structure prediction servers. POLYVIEW may be used for automated generation of pictures with structural and functional annotations for publications and proteomic on-line resources.
Availability: http://polyview.cchmc.org
Pedro: a configurable data entry tool for XML
Authors: Garwood Kevin L. , Taylor Chris F. , Runte Kai J. , Brass Andy , Oliver Stephen G. , Paton Norman W. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Summary: Pedro is a Java™ application that dynamically generates data entry forms for data models expressed in XML Schema, producing XML data files that validate against this schema. The software uses an intuitive tree-based navigation system, can supply context-sensitive help to users and features a sophisticated interface for populating data fields with terms from controlled vocabularies. The software also has the ability to import records from tab delimited text files and features various validation routines.
Availability: The application, source code, example models from several domains and tutorials can be downloaded from http://pedro.man.ac.uk/
Combining pattern discovery and discriminant analysis to predict gene co-regulation
Authors: Simonis N. , Wodak S. J. , Cohen G. N. , van Helden J. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Several pattern discovery methods have been proposed to detect over-represented motifs in upstream sequences of co-regulated genes, and are for example used to predict cis-acting elements from clusters of co-expressed genes. The clusters to be analyzed are often noisy, containing a mixture of co-regulated and non-co-regulated genes. We propose a method to discriminate co-regulated from non-co-regulated genes on the basis of counts of pattern occurrences in their non-coding sequences.
Methods: String-based pattern discovery is combined with discriminant analysis to classify genes on the basis of putative regulatory motifs.
Results: The approach is evaluated by comparing the significance of patterns detected in annotated regulons (positive control), random gene selections (negative control) and high-throughput regulons (noisy data) from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The classification is evaluated on the annotated regulons, and the robustness and rejection power is assessed with mixtures of co-regulated and random genes.
Supplementary information: http://rsat.ulb.ac.be/rsat/
The PDB-Preview database: a repository of in-silico models of ‘on-hold’ PDB entries
Authors: Fischer Daniel , Paś Jakub , Rychlewski Leszek 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Summary: The PDB-Preview database is a dynamic web repository of in-silico predicted three-dimensional (3D) models of experimentally determined structures that are deposited into the PDB but are not yet publicly released, and are kept ‘on-hold’. The PDB-Preview database is automatically generated on a weekly basis by the bioinfo.pl meta-server, which uses top-of-the-line fold-recognition methods. The PDB-Preview provides biologists with preliminary fold assignments well before the experimentally determined 3D structures are released.
Availability: http://bioinfo.pl/PDB-Preview/
Spectroscopic characterization of heat‐induced nonnative β‐lactoglobulin monomers
Authors: Croguennec Thomas , Mollé Daniel , Mehra Raj , Bouhallab Saïd 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that two altered monomeric species were formed in the early steps of thermal denaturation of bovine β‐lactoglobulin (β‐lg), the well‐known Cys121‐exposed intermediate (Mcys121), and a new, stable monomer with exposed nonnative Cys119 (Mcys119). In this study, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopies were used to characterize the structural features of these molecules. The structural characteristics of MCys121 after heating and cooling cycles are similar to those of native β‐lg. In contrast, Mcys119 monomer exhibits some characteristics of the well‐known molten‐globule state. Combined with other published data, these results indicate that heating induces at least two molten globule‐like states of β‐lg, a highly reactive Mcys121 that returns to native state after cooling, and a less‐reactive Mcys119 that is trapped and stabilized in a molten globule‐like state by nonnative disulfide bond.
Structural stability and heat‐induced conformational change of two complement inhibitors: C4b‐binding protein and factor H
Authors: Kask Lena , Villoutreix Bruno O. , Steen Mårten , Ramesh Bala , Dahlbäck Björn , Blom Anna M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe complement inhibitors C4b‐binding protein (C4BP) and factor H (FH) both consist of complement control protein (CCP) domains. Here we examined the secondary structure of both proteins by circular dichroism and Fourier‐transform infrared technique at temperatures ranging from 30°C–90°C. We found that predominantly β‐sheet structure of both proteins was stable up to 70°C, and that a reversible conformational change toward α‐helix was apparent at temperatures ranging from 70°C to 90°C. The ability of both proteins to inhibit complement was not impaired after incubation at 95°C, exposure to extreme pH conditions, and storage at room temperature for several months. Similar remarkable stability was previously observed for vaccinia virus control protein (VCP), which is also composed of CCP domains; it therefore seems to be a general property of CCP‐containing proteins. A typical CCP domain has a hydrophobic core, which is wrapped in β‐sheets and stabilized by two disulphide bridges. How the CCP domains tolerate harsh conditions is unclear, but it could be due to a combination of high content of prolines, hydrophobic residues, and the presence of two disulphide bridges within each domain. These findings are of interest because CCP‐containing complement inhibitors have been proposed as clinical agents to be used to control unwanted complement activation that contributes to many diseases.
An in vitro comparison of adhesive systems to seal pulp chamber walls
Authors: Ozturk B. , Özer F. , Belli S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAim  To compare in vitro the sealing properties of five different dentine adhesive materials (Prime&Bond NT (PBNT); Prompt L‐Pop (PLP); Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB); Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus (SMPP); EBS‐Multi (EBSM)) inside the pulp chamber.Methodology  Seventy‐five recently extracted human molar teeth were used. The roof of the pulp chambers and roots were removed under water cooling. Pulp tissue was removed, and the canal orifices were sealed. The pulp chambers were then treated with 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 1 min. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of 15 teeth each. Adhesive systems were applied to the pulp chamber walls according to the manufacturers' instructions. The samples were connected to Plexiglass plates, and a fluid filtration method was used for quantitative evaluation of leakage. Measurements of fluid movement were made at 2‐min intervals for 8 min. The quality of seal of each specimen was measured immediately, after 24 h, 1 week and 1 month. The data were statistically analysed by repeated‐measurements multivariate anova, Friedman test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, Kruskal–Wallis of one‐way anova and Mann–Whitney U‐tests. The pulp chamber wall with and without NaOCl and resin–dentine interfaces of specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM).Results  The leakage values of the materials were significantly different at different measurement periods. In all groups, leakage values decreased with time (P < 0.05). PBNT and PLP had the least leakage during immediate measurements (P < 0.05). After 1 month, leakage of all adhesive systems was not significantly different (P < 0.05). SEM observation of pulp chamber walls demonstrated that the irregular dentine surface without smear layer was present in the nontreated group. However, NaOCl application removed the collagen fibrils leaving the dentine surface smooth. At resin–dentine interfaces of specimens, no hybridization zone was observed.Conclusions  None of the materials had created a perfect seal to the pulp chamber walls. PBNT and PLP had better sealing over the short term, but over the long term, there were no differences between the materials.
Periapical radiolucency mimicking an odontogenic cyst
Authors: Nary Filho H. , Matsumoto M. A. , Fraga S. C. , Gonçales E. S. , Sérvulo F. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAim  To present a clinical case of a giant cell lesion located in an unusual site, initially misdiagnosed and treated as an odontogenic cyst.Summary  Periapical radiolucencies often suggest the presence of odontogenic pathosis, usually inflammatory granulomas or cysts. The high frequency of such lesions tends to lead clinicians to arrive at a diagnosis without completing a comprehensive assessment of the patient or carrying out the full range of available diagnostic tests. A case report of a giant cell lesion, which was misdiagnosed and treated initially as an odontogenic lesion because of its unusual location, is presented.Key learning points

Clinical signs and radiographic appearance are usually sufficient to reach a diagnosis of periapical pathosis.
When traditional treatment does not lead to success, a biopsy should be considered to ascertain the diagnosis and allow the correct treatment to be provided.
Histological examination of soft tissue removed during endodontic surgery is essential.
A placebo‐controlled evaluation of butterbur and fexofenadine on objective and subjective outcomes in perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Lee D. K. C. , Gray R. D. , Robb F. M. , Fujihara S. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: April 2004

SummaryBackground
There are presently no placebo‐controlled data regarding the effects of butterbur (BB) on subjective and objective outcomes in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.Objective
We performed a placebo‐controlled evaluation of the effects of BB and fexofenadine (FEX) on subjective and objective outcomes in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.Methods
Sixteen patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and house dust mite sensitization were randomized in double‐blind cross‐over fashion to receive for 1 week either BB 50 mg twice daily, FEX 180 mg once daily and placebo (PL) once daily, or PL twice daily. The peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) response to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) challenge administered as a single 400 mg/mL dose was measured over a 60‐min period after challenge, and domiciliary total nasal symptom score was recorded.Results
Pre‐challenge values for mean±SEM PNIF (L/min) were not significantly different comparing all groups; BB (138±8), FEX (140±9), and PL (138±8). The maximum % PNIF fall from baseline after nasal AMP challenge was significantly attenuated (P<0.05) compared to PL (46±3), with BB (34±3) and FEX (39±3). The area under the 60‐min time–response curve (%.min) was also significantly attenuated (P<0.05) compared to PL (1734±156), with BB (1052±258) and FEX (1194±161). There was also a significant reduction (P<0.05) in total nasal symptom score with BB (1.8±0.4) and FEX (1.8±0.4), compared to PL (2.8±0.5). There were no significant differences between BB and FEX for any outcomes.Conclusion
BB and FEX, in comparison to PL, were equally effective in attenuating the nasal response to AMP and in improving nasal symptoms, highlighting a potential role for BB in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Comparative effects of desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine on nasal adenosine monophosphate challenge in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Lee D. K. C. , Gardiner M. , Haggart K. , Fujihara S. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: April 2004

SummaryBackground
There are no data directly comparing the relative efficacy of modern H1‐antihistamines in allergic rhinitis using nasal provocation challenge.Objective
We elected to study the comparative effectiveness of usual clinically recommended doses of desloratadine (DES), fexofenadine (FEX), and levocetirizine (LEV), on nasal adenosine monophosphate (AMP) challenge in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).Methods
16 patients with PAR were randomized in double‐blind cross‐over fashion to receive single doses of DES 5 mg, FEX 180 mg, LEV 5 mg, or placebo (PL), with nasal AMP challenge performed 12 h after dosing. Measurements of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) were made over 60 min after nasal AMP challenge.Results
Pre‐challenge values (mean±SEM) for PNIF (L/min) were not significantly different comparing all groups; DES (129±9), FEX (128±11), LEV (128±13), and PL (128±12). The maximum % PNIF fall from baseline over 60 min after nasal AMP challenge was significantly attenuated (P<0.05) compared to PL (50±4), with DES (32±5), FEX (36±4), and LEV (36±4). The area under the 60‐min time–response curve (%.min) was also significantly attenuated (P<0.05) compared to PL (2110±268), with DES (1126±285), FEX (1225±255), and LEV (1261±194). There were no significant differences between the three H1‐antihistamines for any outcomes.Conclusion
DES, FEX, and LEV were equally effective in attenuating the response to nasal AMP challenge. However, further long‐term studies will be required to study their comparative effects on nasal symptoms, quality of life, as well as on nasal inflammatory cells.