bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management strategy of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis
Authors: Kanlikama Muzaffer , Mumbuç Semih , Bayazit Yildirim , S¸irikçi Akif 
Published: October 2002

The objectives of this study were to investigate the typical clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis (MCL).Medical records of 87 patients who were treated for MCL were retrospectively reviewed. Definitive diagnosis of MCL was made when a neck mass persisted for several weeks or months and one or more of the following was obtained: (1) positive mycobacterial cultures from biopsy material; (2) Positive mycobacterial staining of biopsy material; (3) Granulomatous inflammation and caseating necrosis on histopathological examination of biopsy material.Clinical findings were reviewed prior to treatment. The treatment included standard antituberculous medications followed by surgery in which either total excision or selective nodal dissection of the cervical lump was made. Follow-up results are presented.The chief complaint was a cervical mass that was localized mostly to the posterior cervical or submandibular regions. A fistula formation was encountered in 11.5 per cent. All patients recovered from MCL by combined antituberculous drug and surgical treatments.Clinical presentation of the disease and histopathological assessment are important in the diagnosis of MCL as well as in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and nontuberculous MCL. Utilizing the combined medical and surgical treatment options, both tuberculous and non-tuberculous cervical adenitis can be treated successfully.
Reconstruction of intrathoracic oesophagus using tubular lateral thigh free flap
Authors: Benazzo Marco , Occhini Antonio , Fossati GianSilvio , Caracciolo Giuseppe 
Published: October 2002

The gastric pull-up or pharyngogastroplasty is the most widely used technique in reconstructing the digestive tract in cases of distal oesophageal tumours. This operation consists of drawing the stomach or part of it up through the chest and mediastinic region to the neck where a mucosal anastomosis with the residual pharyngeal act is made.The most feared complication is proximal necrosis of the gastric stump with salivary fistulae usually followed by a mediastinitis. In the presence of such a complication the surgeon must tackle the challenge of reconstructing the missing part of the intrathoracic digestive tract. We describe the case of a patient in whom the missing intrathoracic oesophagus, following complete necrosis of a previously performed pharyngogastroplasty, was reconstructed using a revascularized lateral thigh free flap.
Nebulized surfactant as a treatment choice for otitis media with effusion: an experimental study in the rabbit
Authors: Koten Muhsin , Uzun Cem , Yaǧiz Recep , Adali Mustafa Kemal , Karasalihoglu Ahmet Rifat , Tatman-Otkun Müserref , Altaner Semsi 
Published: October 2002

Exogenous surfactant can improve eustachian tube function in experimentally induced otitis media with effusion (OME). Performing tympanometric recordings, the efficacy of inhaled nebulized surfactant, as compared with inhaled nebulized physiological saline was investigated, for the treatment of OME experimentally induced in the rabbit by intrabullar inoculation of heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae. In addition, the histological changes in middle ears after the treatment were investigated in order to establish whether the pathological findings correlated with the results.Middle-ear pressure values before, and after, treatment were analyzed by the Wilcoxon statistical method, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the post-treatment values between groups. In all ears with OME in the affected animals, which were treated with nebulized surfactant inhalation, a positively significant (p<0.05) increase of pressure more than 20 daPa was recorded. In the control group, after inhalation of nebulized physiological saline, there was no positive increase in the affected middle-ear pressures; on the contrary, more negative pressure changes were recorded. In the histological evaluation, middle-ear epithelia and sub-epithelial space were normal in surfactant-treated ears with OME, whereas mucosal thickening with an oedematous sub-epithelial space containing occasional inflammatory cells and increases in connective tissue and vascularity, and effusions on the epithelial surface were present in the ears with OME in the control group. The significant improvement in the negative middle-ear pressure after nebulized surfactant treatment and the histological findings shown in our study can support the theory that surface-active agents are of importance in eustachian tube function even under pathologic conditions, such as OME.
Pharyngeal cancer prevention: evidence from a case–control study involving 232 consecutive patients
Authors: Uzcudun Ana Escribano , Retolaza Ignacio Rabanal , Grande Antonio García , Olivar Lara Miralles , García Alfredo García , Barón Manuel González , Bouzas Javier Gavilán 
Published: October 2002

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for pharyngeal cancer and to propose 10 result-based preventive measures. It was a case-control study conducted in Madrid, Spain, with 232 consecutive patients diagnosed between January 1 1990 and December 31, 1995, sex- and age-matched with 232 control individuals with no oncological disease or history. By means of an interviewer-administered questionnaire, seven different epidemiological areas were surveyed, namely: (1) sociodemographic variables, (2) familial all-site cancer history, (3) medical history, (4) lifestyle (habits), (5) diet, (6) occupational exposure, and (7) non-occupational exposure. Of the great number of factors within each epidemiological area, the following were found to be risk factors after adjustment for tobacco smoking and alcoholic beverage drinking: (1) tobacco smoking, (2) alcoholic beverage drinking, (3) low and low-middle socioeconomic background, (4) low educational level, (5) rural milieu, (6) working, or having worked, as a manual worker in agriculture, (7) working, or having worked as a manual worker in building industry, (8) having an upper aerodigestive tract cancer familial history, (9) having a medical history of alcholism, low weight/malnutrition, gastroesophageal reflux or chronic obstructive bronchopneumonia, (10) low dietary intake of fruit, fruit juice, uncooked vegetables, dietary fibre-containing foods, fish and milk and dairy products, (11) high dietary intake of meat and fried foods, (12) deficient oral and dental hygiene, (13) abuse of black coffee, (14) abuse of ’carajillo’ (a typical Spanish drink composed of black coffee and flambéed brandy), (15) occupational exposure to pesticides, solvents and dust of different origins.On the basis of our results and those reported by other authors, we put forward 10 measures for the prevention of pharyngeal cancer. However, due to the small size of the nasopharyngeal cancer subsample (n = 35, 15.08 per cent), our results as well as the preventive measures are to considered as referring uniquely to oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. In addition, from descriptive statistical data inspection one can conclude that nasopharyngeal cancer is likely to bear risk factors different from those for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, thus nasopharyngeal cancer warrants specific epidemiological investigation with a sufficiently large patient sample.
Can permanent sensorineural hearing loss be caused by sleeping with an ear against a train window?
Authors: Robertson Alasdair , Bingham Brian , McIlwraith George 
Published: October 2002

A patient presented to the authors with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss after falling asleep with his ear tightly pressed against a window of a moving train. This study set out to determine whether a train could generate sound levels of sufficient intensity to cause such a hearing loss. A sound level meter was used to measure the sound levels produced at the window of a moving train. Further measurements were made with a rubber attachment on the microphone, that simulated the effect of the ear stuck to the window. The sound levels were found to be amplified by the attachment but not to levels that could cause a hearing loss over a short period. In a second experiment eight healthy volunteers all perceived an increase in sound levels when their ears were pressed against a train window.It seems unlikely that sleeping with an ear against a train window can cause hearing loss, but it cannot be ruled out.
A Retrospective Study of the Addition of Ciprofloxacin to Clarithromycin and Ethambutol in the Treatment of Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection
Authors: Keiser Philip , Nassar Naiel , Skiest Daniel , Rademacher Steven , Smith James W 
Published: October 2002

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (DMAC) infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. The combination antibiotic regimens containing clarithromycin can decrease symptoms and improve survival in patients with DMAC, however, optimal therapy remains to be defined. Quinolones have been widely used in the treatment of DMAC but their utility has not been established. A retrospective cohort study of DMAC infection was established in a metropolitan hospital providing comprehensive care to over 3000 HIV-infected individuals. Medical records of patients with DMAC diagnosed at the Parkland Memorial Hospital from 1991 to 1994 were reviewed for therapeutic regimens for DMAC, concomitant therapy for HIV and Pneumocystis carinii prophylaxis and date of death. Subjects were included if they were treated with clarithromycin and ethambutol. Cases were defined as those patients who received more than 30 days of ciprofloxacin as therapy for DMAC in addition to the other drugs that they received. The primary endpoint was the time to death from the data of DMAC diagnosis. Covariates effecting survival were analysed through the Cox proportional hazards model. Eighty-nine subjects with DMAC who were treated with clarithromycin and ethambutol were identified. Fifty-eight received ciprofloxacin in addition to clarithromycin and ethambutol. The time to death was significantly better in those subjects who were treated with ciprofloxacin than those who were not (489 days vs 281 days, P=0.01). The sole significant predictor of improved survival on Cox proportional hazards model was ciprofloxacin therapy. Subjects treated with combination of clarithromycin, ethambutol and ciprofloxacin had improved survival over those treated with clarithromycin and ethambutol alone.
Association between duration of daily VDT use and subjective symptoms
Authors: Nakazawa Tetsuya , Okubo Yasushi , Suwazono Yasushi , Kobayashi Etsuko , Komine Shingo , Kato Norihisa , Nogawa Koji 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundAlthough visual display terminal (VDT) work has become a common task among office workers, surveys which would help to determine the allowable duration of daily VDT use are limited.MethodsWe investigated more than 25,000 workers three times over a 3‐year period using a self‐administered questionnaire. Three factors, namely mental, physical and sleep‐related symptoms, were extracted by factor analysis. Adjusted means of each factor score were compared with the duration of daily VDT use by general linear model.ResultsPhysical symptoms score became higher with increasing duration of daily VDT use without a threshold effect. Mental and sleep‐related symptom scores of the workers using VDT for more 5 hr/day were significantly higher than that of the groups using VDT for >1, 1–3, and 3–5 hr/day.ConclusionsDuration of daily VDT use was linearly related to the physical symptom score, and was non‐linearly related to mental and sleep‐related symptom score with a threshold effect of 5 hr/day. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:421–426, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a medical examination program for former workers at a Department of Energy national laboratory
Authors: Breysse Patrick N. , Weaver Virginia , Cadorette Maureen , Wiggs Laurie , Curbow Barbara , Stefaniak Aleksandr , Melius Jim , Newman Lee , Smith Hugh , Schwartz Brian 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundAs a part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Former Workers' Medical Surveillance Program, a Needs Assessment was conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The objective was to identify former LANL employees who may be at significant risk for occupational disease and determine whether a medical examination program could reduce morbidity or mortality. We describe the needs assessment approach used at LANL.MethodsAn algorithm was developed to make needs determinations. Information on factors including exposure, health impacts, size of exposed populations, and LANL worker concerns and recommendations were obtained. Each of these factors was scored from 1 to 3. The resulting factor sum was then multiplied by a binary (1 or 0) intervention suitability factor which was 1 if both of the following were available: (1) a screening test with acceptable sensitivity and specificity for the health outcome of concern; and (2) an intervention that decreases morbidity or mortality. This resulted in an Intervention Needs Score that was used to set priorities for the medical examination program for the estimated 35,000 former LANL workers.ResultsAnalysis of the algorithm output suggested that six exposure categories be recommended for consideration in a medical examination program. Beryllium, asbestos, and noise clearly warranted inclusion. Lead and ionizing radiation required careful consideration regarding availability of screening tests. Solvents were problematic due to the lack of screening tests and suitable intervention in formerly exposed workers.ConclusionsThe algorithm approach to the needs assessment at LANL documented that six chemical and physical agents should be considered as candidates for inclusion in a medical examination program for former workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:443–454, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic potential hypothesis of evolution: A concept of biogenesis in habitable spaces of the universe
Authors: Schwabe Christian 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe new hypothesis of evolution establishes a contiguity of life sciences with cosmology, physics, and chemistry, and provides a basis for the search for life on other planets. Chemistry is the sole driving force of the assembly of life, under the subtle guidance exerted by bonding orbital geometry. That phenomenon leads to multiple origins that function on the same principles but are different to the extent that their nucleic acid core varies. Thus, thoughts about the origins of life and the development of complexity have been transferred from the chance orientation of the past to the realm of atomic structures, which are subject to the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics. Evolution is a legitimate subject of basic science, and the complexity of life will submit to the laws of chemistry and physics as the problem is viewed from a new perspective. The paradigm connects life to the big events that formed every sphere of our living space and that keeps conditions fine‐tuned for life to persist, perhaps a billion years or more. The “genomic potential” hypothesis leads to the prediction that life like ours is likely to exist in galaxies that are as distant from the origin of the universe as the Milky Way, and that the habitable zone of our galaxy harbors other living planets as well. Anat Rec 268:171–179, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular basis of endothelial cell morphogenesis in three‐dimensional extracellular matrices
Authors: Davis George E. , Bayless Kayla J. , Mavila Anil 
Published: October 2002

AbstractAlthough many studies have focused on blood vessel development and new blood vessel formation associated with disease processes, the question of how endothelial cells (ECs) assemble into tubes in three dimensions (i.e., EC morphogenesis) remains unanswered. EC morphogenesis is particularly dependent on a signaling axis involving the extracellular matrix (ECM), integrins, and the cytoskeleton, which regulates EC shape changes and signals the pathways necessary for tube formation. Recent studies reveal that genes regulating this matrix‐integrin‐cytoskeletal (MIC) signaling axis are differentially expressed during EC morphogenesis. The Rho GTPases represent an important class of molecules involved in these events. Cdc42 and Rac1 are required for the process of EC intracellular vacuole formation and coalescence that regulates EC lumen formation in three‐dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices, while RhoA appears to stabilize capillary tube networks. Once EC tube networks are established, supporting cells, such as pericytes, are recruited to further stabilize these networks, perhaps by regulating EC basement membrane matrix assembly. Furthermore, we consider recent work showing that EC morphogenesis is balanced by a tendency for newly formed tubes to regress. This morphogenesis‐regression balance is controlled by differential gene expression of such molecules as VEGF, angiopoietin‐2, and PAI‐1, as well as a plasmin‐ and matrix metalloproteinase‐dependent mechanism that induces tube regression through degradation of ECM scaffolds that support EC‐lined tubes. It is our hope that this review will stimulate increased interest and effort focused on the basic mechanisms regulating capillary tube formation and regression in 3D extracellular matrices. Anat Rec 268:252–275, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and quantification of corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) in the brain of the teleost fish Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia)
Authors: Pepels Peter P.L.M. , Meek Johannes , Wendelaar Bonga Sjoerd E. , Balm Paul H.M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe recent characterization of the corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) prehormone of the fish tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) showed that more variation exists between vertebrate CRH amino acid sequences than recognized before. The present study investigates whether the deviating composition of tilapia CRH coincides with an atypical distribution of CRH in the brain. For this purpose we applied immunohistochemistry, as well as radioimmunoassay (RIA) quantification in brain slices. The results are plotted in a new atlas and reconstruction of the tilapia brain. The largest population of CRH‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons is present in the lateral part of the ventral telencephalon (Vl). Approximately tenfold less CRH‐ir neurons are observed in the preoptic and tuberal region. The CRH‐ir neurons observed in the preoptic region are parvocellular and do not, or hardly, display arginine‐vasotocin (AVT) immunoreactivity. CRH‐ir neurons are also present in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, in the periventricular layer of the optic tectum, and caudal to the glomerular nucleus. A very dense plexus of CRH‐ir terminals is located in the most rostral part of the dorsal telencephalon. This region has not been described in other teleosts and is in the present study subdivided into the anterior part of the dorsal telencephalon (Da) and the anterior part of the laterodorsal telencephalon (Dla). High densities of CRH‐ir terminals were observed in and around Vl, in the tuberal region, around the rostral part of the lateral recess, and in the caudal part of the vagal lobe. In the pituitary, CRH‐ir terminals are concentrated in the neuro‐intermediate lobe. Overall, the immunohistochemical and quantitative data correlated well, as the RIA CRH profile in serial 160‐μm slices revealed four peaks, which corresponded with major ir‐cell groups and terminal fields. Our results strongly suggest that the CRH‐ir cells of Vl project to the rostro‐dorsal telencephalon. Consequently, they may not be primarily involved in regulation of pituitary cell types but may subserve other functions. The presence of a CRH‐containing Vl‐Da/Dla projection seems to be restricted to the most modern group of teleosts, i.e., the Acanthopterygians. Further anatomic indications for non‐pituitary‐related functions of CRH are found in the vagal lobe and the optic tectum of tilapia. Although the low CRH content of the preoptic region reported here for tilapia may be typical for unstressed fish, the fact remains that remarkably few CRH‐ir neurons are involved in regulating the pituitary. Overall, the CRH distribution in the brain of tilapia is more widespread than previously reported for other teleosts. J. Comp. Neurol. 453:247–268, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterned gene programs and target remodeling following axotomy at a major site for sensory innervation
Authors: Fundin Bengt T. , Rice Frank L. , Ernfors Patrik 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe genetic mechanisms that a target uses to reestablish the connections of regenerating axons were explored using oligonucleotide microarrays and real‐time PCR. In normal and denervated mouse vibrissa follicles, patterns of genetic regulation were assessed in adjacent targets that normally receive different types of sensory and autonomic innervation. We show that a target remodeling occurs following axotomy involving reduced hair growth, altered hair follicle integrity and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Also, we found two orphan receptors putatively involved in hair growth. Our data further demonstrate region‐specific regulation of genes putatively involved in target–axon interactions. Thus, this study shows for the first time that major target remodeling occurs following denervation and suggests putative functions for several novel genes. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 53: 370–380, 2002
Early social influence on nestling development in Waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita)
Authors: Tintner Angelika , Kotrschal Kurt 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe Waldrapp ibis is critically endangered; hence specific knowledge is needed to support the management of the last birds in the wild, and to prepare for reintroduction projects. In this study we attempted to test the effects of raising an ibis as a single chick from hatching to the age of 3 weeks, as compared to raising it together with nestmates, on development and juvenile socialization. In times of food shortage, interference competition between nestlings may cause quick starvation of all but the largest chick. In the context of establishing a free‐flying, semi‐tame colony of Waldrapp ibis at the Konrad Lorenz Research Station in Grünau, Austria, 12 zoo‐bred hatchlings were experimentally hand‐raised under ad libitum food conditions. Seven individuals were placed into three nests in visual and acoustical contact with each other to mimic a colony situation. Five others were raised in isolation their first 21 days after hatching and then were united with the sibling‐raised individuals in a colony‐like situation. After hatching, isolated chicks showed high frequencies of distress calls; they begged and ate less, put on less weight, and were less active than the socially‐housed chicks, and fledged an average of 6 days later. As the groups did not significantly differ in excreted corticosterone metabolites, we assume that the lack of social stimulation, rather than stress, caused the observed effects in the single‐raised chicks. After unification, individuals of both groups tended to stay apart from each other. Formerly single‐housed birds mainly interacted dyadically among themselves, whereas the sibling‐raised birds tended to have more varied contacts with colony members of different ages. The potential applications of these results to conservation and management are discussed. Zoo Biol 21:467–480, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.