bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gesundheitsökonomische Studien in der Dermatologie – Review der Literatur, Bewertung und zugrunde liegende Aspekte der Durchführung
Authors: Rogalski Christina , Paasch Uwe , Simon Jan Christoph 
Published: March 2004

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Behandlungsergebnisse werden mittels gesundheitsökonomischer Evaluationen objektiviert, um sie in einen wirtschaftlichen Kontext zu bringen. Gesundheitsökonomische Studien stellen einen abstrahierenden Prozeßärztlichen und pflegerischen Handelns dar, der den rationalen Umgang mit knappen Ressourcen unterstützen soll, und sollten daher vermehrt durchgeführt werden. Methoden: Die durch Literaturrecherche gefundenen Veröffentlichungen gesundheitsökonomischer, dermatologischer Studien wurden bezüglich des Durchführungslandes, der Finanzierung, dem Durchführungszeitraum sowie dem Intervall bis zur Publikation analysiert und ein quantitativer Vergleich mit anderen Fachrichtungen vorgenommen. Anhand einer Checkliste von Kernkriterien wurde eine qualitative Einschätzung der Studien durchgeführt, um die Aussagekraft zu beurteilen. Ergebnisse: Die Zahl der dermatologischen, gesundheitsökonomischen Studien hat sich in den letzten 20 Jahren verfünffacht. Knapp ein Drittel der untersuchten dermatologischen Studien (n = 71) wurden in den USA durchgeführt, 23,94 % in Großbritannien, 9,86 % in Schweden und 35,23 % in anderen Ländern. Das Zeitintervall bis zur Publikation betrug 0 bis 9 Jahre. Schlußfolgerungen: Der Anstieg in der Studienzahl läßt sich möglicherweise durch den zunehmenden Klärungsbedarf der wirtschaftlichen Situation im Gesundheitssektor erklären. Die Ursache für den gravierenden Unterschied zwischen den Staaten liegt möglicherweise in der Finanzierung beziehungsweise im vorherrschenden Gesundheitssystem der durchgeführten Studien. Während in den USA die Studien überwiegend durch die pharmazeutische Industrie finanziert werden, ist es in Großbritannien und Schweden eher die öffentliche Hand. Die erhebliche Verzögerung der Publikation könnte zum einen durch lange Review‐Phasen, zum anderen durch den Transfer sowie die Auswertung großer Datenmengen bei internationalen Studien bedingt sein.Insbesondere im Rahmen der Einführung der Diagnosis Related Groups in Deutschland ist ein wirtschaftlich verantwortungsvolles Handeln auf der Basis fundierter und qualitativ hochwertiger gesundheitsökonomischer Studien unerläßlich.
A case study of high-throughput biological data processing on parallel platforms
Authors: Pekurovsky D. , Shindyalov I. N. , Bourne P. E. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Analysis of large biological data sets using a variety of parallel processor computer architectures is a common task in bioinformatics. The efficiency of the analysis can be significantly improved by properly handling redundancy present in these data combined with taking advantage of the unique features of these compute architectures.
Results: We describe a generalized approach to this analysis, but present specific results using the program CEPAR, an efficient implementation of the Combinatorial Extension algorithm in a massively parallel (PAR) mode for finding pairwise protein structure similarities and aligning protein structures from the Protein Data Bank. CEPAR design and implementation are described and results provided for the efficiency of the algorithm when run on a large number of processors.
Availability: Source code is available by contacting one of the authors.
Comparison of Suture and Nasal Packing in Rabbit Noses
Authors: Genç Erkhan , Ergin N. Tan , Bilezikçi Banu 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis The study aimed to detect the changes in adult rabbit nasal septal tissues after application of nasal pack or trans‐septal suture as performed during septoplasty.Study Design Randomized double‐blind animal study.Methods Thirty‐three adult albino Vienna rabbits were assigned into the following groups: control, suture, and nasal pack. The mucoperichondrium at one side of the nasal septum was elevated and then put into place again over the cartilage and fixed with either a nasal pack or an absorbable trans‐septal suture. The nasal packs were removed 48 hours after insertion. Rabbits were killed 6 weeks after the procedure. The nasal septa were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined by means of light microscopy for mucosal changes (inflammation or damage) and for thicknesses of the mucosa, the perichondrium, and the cartilage.Results Both intranasal packs and sutures caused significant mucosal inflammation and damage when compared with the control group (χ2 test, P < .05). The mucosal thickness did not change, but the perichondrial thickness for both the nasal pack group and the suture group increased (Mann‐Whitney U test, P < .05). Also, the septal cartilage thickness was not significantly different between the suture and the nasal pack groups, but the suture group had a thinner septal cartilage than the control group (Mann‐Whitney U test, P < .05).Conclusion The septal suture is an efficient and useful method for clinching the septal flaps over the septal cartilage. In addition, it has nearly the same effects as nasal packs on the histological appearance of the nasal septum and does not cause discomfort for the patient. The septal suture can be a preferred alternative to intranasal packing.
Airway Protection and the Laryngeal Mask Airway in Sinus and Nasal Surgery
Authors: Kaplan Andrew , Crosby Gregory J. , Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis The objective was to compare the laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube for airway protection from blood during sinonasal surgery.Study Design Nonrandomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial.Methods Patients scheduled to undergo sinonasal surgery (septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery) were prospectively enrolled and grouped according to type of airway during general anesthesia with choice of airway device based on the anesthesiologist's preference. Clinical data were tabulated by case including airway device, patient age, weight, estimated blood loss, airway pop‐off pressure, and emergence quality. At the conclusion of surgery, the airway was examined through the laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope to determine the amount of blood present on the vocal cords or in the trachea. The airway device was also evaluated postoperatively for the presence of blood.Results Seventy‐six adult patients were initially enrolled; two were excluded because fiberoptic evaluation of the airway could not be completed. Of the remaining 74 patients, an endotracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway were used in 31 and 43 patients, respectively. The two groups did not differ with respect to age, weight, estimated blood loss during surgery, pop‐off pressure, or emergence quality (all P > .05). Patients managed with an laryngeal mask airway were significantly less likely to have blood staining the airway (glottis or trachea) than patients with an endotracheal tube (19.5% vs. 84.8%, χ2 test [P < .001]). However, the endotracheal tube provided better protection than the laryngeal mask airway against distal tracheal blood contamination (3.2% vs. 14.6%, respectively [P = .110]).Conclusion The laryngeal mask airway provides better protection of the upper airway from blood contamination during sinonasal surgery than a standard endotracheal tube, but there is a higher incidence of distal tracheal contamination. The laryngeal mask airway is a reasonable alternative to endotracheal intubation for airway management in sinonasal surgery.
Relationship of Petrous Temporal Bone Pneumatization to the Eustachian Tube Lumen
Authors: Jen Albert , Sanelli Pina C. , Banthia Vishal , Victor Jonathan D. , Selesnick Samuel H. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis Objectives were to determine the incidence of petrous apex pneumatization and to define the relationship between a pneumatized petrous temporal bone and the eustachian tube lumen.Study Design Retrospective study with institutional review board approval including only adult patients.Methods One hundred head computed tomography (ct) scans and 204 petrous temporal bone CT scans performed at a tertiary teaching hospital were reviewed. The two senior authors (s.h.s., p.c.s.) independently reviewed the petrous temporal bone CT scans for grade of pneumatization. Pneumatized CT scans were then reviewed for the presence of a direct communication with the eustachian tube lumen. Significance was determined using the χ2 test and Pearson correlation of ranks.Results The incidence of peritubal cells opening into the eustachian tube anterior to the tympanic orifice was 92%.Conclusion The direct communication of peritubal cells with the bony eustachian tube may play a role in the development of persistent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea after cerebellopontine angle surgery.
The Impact of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux on Patient‐Reported Quality of Life
Authors: Carrau Ricardo L. , Khidr Aliaa , Crawley Joseph A. , Hillson Eric M. , Davis Judith K. , Pashos Chris L. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis The objectives were to assess patient‐reported outcomes, specifically, the health‐related quality of life of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux, and to compare those reported levels with the health‐related quality of life of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and a general population.Study Design Prospective study.Methods As part of a prospective study to validate a health‐related quality of life instrument for laryngopharyngeal reflux, patient‐reported data were collected before the initiation of therapy. Use of the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), a generic instrument, allowed the health‐related quality of life of the patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux to be compared with benchmarks existing for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and a general U.S. population.Results The 117 patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux often reported multiple symptoms, most frequently, chronic throat‐clearing (85.5%), globus (82.1%), and hoarseness (80.3%). Their mean health‐related quality of life was statistically significantly worse than that of a general U.S. population in seven of the eight SF‐36 domains. The most dramatic differences between patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux and the general population were in social functioning and bodily pain (P < .001). Mean scores for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux were significantly lower than those for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in social functioning (P < .001) and vitality (P = .0017). In five of the six remaining domains, patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux reported lower mean scores than did patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, but those differences were not statistically significant.Conclusion The study's assessment of health‐related quality of life suggests that laryngopharyngeal reflux has a significant negative impact on the lives of patients. Although its impact is similar in some respects to that of gastroesophageal reflux disease, laryngopharyngeal reflux has a more significant impact on patients' social functioning and vitality.
Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery Outcomes: Our Multidisciplinary Experience in 400 Cases Over 17 Years
Authors: Darrouzet Vincent , Martel Jacques , Enée Véronique , Bébéar Jean‐Pierre , Guérin Jean 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of short‐ and intermediate‐term postoperative complications after vestibular schwannoma surgery.Study Design Retrospective review in a tertiary referral center.Methods In 400 patients who underwent surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma from 1984 to 2000,symptoms, preoperative evaluation, surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed using standardized grading systems.Results One hundred ninety‐four men and 206 women had an operation. Mean age was 53.9 years (age range, 11–78 y). Tumor size according to Koos stage was stage 1 in 39 cases, stage 2 in 122 cases, stage 3 in 87 cases, and stage 4 in 152 cases. Preoperatively, 7.5% of patients had facial nerve dysfunction. Surgical approaches were translabyrinthine in 229 patients, widened retrolabyrinthine in 128 cases, suboccipital in 42 cases, and transotic in 1 case. Mortality was 0.5%. Facial nerve was transected in 15 cases (3.7%) and immediately repaired in 5 cases. A delayed hypoglossal–to–facial nerve anastomosis was performed in 12 cases. At 1 year, House‐Brackmann grade in 70.7% of patients was 1 to 2; in 24.3%, 3 to 4; and in 5%, 5 to 6. Poor facial nerve outcome was correlated with tumor size, preoperative irradiation, and nerve dysfunction and was not correlated with the approach used. Most patients had postoperative dizziness, and 30% still had vestibular disturbances after 1 year. Nine patients (2.2%) had a cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and 24 had a cerebrospinal fluid wound leak (6%). Twenty‐two patients (5.5%) had postoperative meningitis. Two patients had a cerebellopontine angle hemorrhage, and three a brainstem infarct.Conclusion Transpetrosal approaches (translabyrinthine, widened retrolabyrinthine) are safe for vestibular schwannoma removal, and rates of postoperative complications and sequelae are decreasing.
Timing of Human Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Gene Transfer in Reinnervating Laryngeal Muscle
Authors: Nakagawa Hideki , Shiotani Akihiro , O'Malley Bert W. , Coleman Michael E , Flint Paul W. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis The authors have designed a rat laryngeal paralysis model to study gene transfer strategies using a muscle‐specific expression system to enhance local delivery of human insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (hIGF‐1). In preliminary studies, a nonviral vector containing the α‐actin promoter and human hIGF‐1 sequence produced both neurotrophic and myotrophic effects 1 month after single injection of plasmid formulation into paralyzed rat thyroarytenoid muscle in vivo. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that the effects of hIGF‐1 will enhance the results of laryngeal muscle innervation procedures. The timing of gene delivery relative to nerve repair is likely to be important, to optimize the results.Study Design Prospective analysis.Methods The effects of nonviral gene transfer for the delivery of hIGF‐1 were evaluated in rats treated immediately following recurrent laryngeal nerve transection and repair and in rats receiving a delayed treatment schedule, 30 days after nerve transection and repair. Gene transfer efficiency was determined using polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction techniques. Muscle fiber diameter, motor endplate length, and percentage of motor endplates with nerve contact were examined to assess hIGF‐1 trophic effects.Results Compared with reinnervated untreated control samples, both early and delayed hIGF‐1 transfer resulted in significant increase in muscle fiber diameter. Motor endplate length was significantly decreased and nerve/motor endplate contact was significantly increased following delayed gene transfer, but not after early treatment.Conclusion We infer from results of the study that delayed hIGF‐1 gene transfer delivered by a single intramuscular injection will enhance the process of muscle reinnervation. The clinical relevance of these findings supports the future application of gene therapy using nonviral vectors for management of laryngeal paralysis and other peripheral nerve injuries.
An alternative to current thinking about positive selection, negative selection and activation of T cells
Authors: Cohn Melvin 
Published: March 2004

SummaryGiven that recognition by the T‐cell receptor (TCR) of allele‐specific determinants on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐encoded restricting elements (Rs) is germline encoded, whereas recognition of peptide (P) is somatically encoded, two combining site repertoires, anti‐R and anti‐P, are implied. As a consequence, the three pathways of T cells, positive selection, negative selection and activation, must be signalled by qualitatively distinct interactions engaging the TCR. These are spelled out as they provide an alternative to the current thinking that these pathways depend on affinity‐based quantitatively distinguishable interactions.
The adhesion molecules NCAM, HCAM, PECAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 in normal salivary gland tissues and salivary gland malignancies
Authors: Perschbacher Kristina , Jackson‐Boeters Linda , Daley Tom 
Published: March 2004

Background:  Some malignant salivary gland tumors are known for their propensity to exhibit perineural invasion and vascular metastases. It was hypothesized that alterations in the expression of cell adhesion molecules are involved in these processes.Methods:  The expression and distribution of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), HCAM (CD44), platelet‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in normal salivary gland tissues and selected salivary gland malignancies, especially adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCyCa) and polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (PMLG), were determined immunohistochemically, and their influence on histologically demonstrated perineural invasion, vascular invasion, and tumor recurrence/patient death were investigated.Results:  NCAM, HCAM, and ICAM‐1 were often found to be expressed by neoplastic cells, but no correlation to perineural invasion, tumor behavior, or patient prognosis was found. PECAM‐1 was rarely and only focally expressed in three tumors, all of which were related to tumor metastases and patient death.Conclusions:  Immunohistochemical demonstration of NCAM, HCAM, and ICAM‐1 is not related to perineural invasion or tumor behavior. PECAM‐1 expression was related to vascular invasion and poor patient prognosis in three cases.
Sperm storage and antioxidative enzyme expression in the honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Collins A. M. , Williams V. , Evans J. D. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractHoney bee (Apis mellifera) sperm remains viable in the spermatheca of mated female honey bees for several years. During this time, the sperm retains respiratory activity, placing it at risk of the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species common to many biological processes. Antioxidative enzymes might help reduce this damage. Here we use quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR to establish gene‐expression profiles in male and female honey bee reproductive tissues for three antioxidative enzymes: catalase, glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1, cytosolic). Catalase and GST showed ten‐ to twenty‐fold transcript increases in the sperm storage organs of mated queens vs. unmated queens, whereas SOD1 levels are high in both mated and unmated queens. Male reproductive and somatic tissues showed relatively high levels of all three antioxidant‐encoding transcripts. All three enzymes screened were higher in mature males vs. young males, although this effect did not appear to be confined to reproductive tissues and, hence, need not reflect a role in sperm longevity. Furthermore, antioxidative enzyme transcripts remained present, and apparently increased, in male tissues long after sperm had matured and seminal fluid was produced. We also found measurable levels of catalase transcripts in honey bee semen. The presence of catalase transcripts in both reproductive tissues and semen in bees suggests that this enzyme might play a key role in antioxidative protection.
Identification and characterization of gp65, a salivary‐gland‐specific molecule expressed in the malaria vector Anopheles albimanus
Authors: Montero‐Solis C. , Gonzalez‐Ceron L. , Rodriguez M. H. , Cirerol B. E. , Zamudio F. , Possanni L. D. , James A. A. , De La Cruz Hernandez‐Hernandez F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractA group of salivary‐gland‐specific proteins, designated gp65, were identified in the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis resolved this group into at least four molecules with pI 6.4–6.5. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence was determined for the major species, gp65‐1, and degenerate oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify a specific probe for library screening. A 1312 bp cDNA clone encoding a predicted translation product of 386 amino acids was recovered. gp65‐1 is expressed abundantly in the medial and distal–lateral lobes of the adult female glands, and is secreted in the saliva. The amino acid sequence has potential sites for N‐glycosylation, phosphorylation and myristylation, and is similar to a number of proteins of unknown function from other mosquito species.
Variants of U1 small nuclear RNA assemble into spliceosomal complexes
Authors: Pereira‐Simon S. , Sierra‐Montes J. M. , Ayesh K. , Martinez L. , Socorro A. , Herrera R. J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractIn this study, the existence of additional U1 snRNA variants in the posterior silk gland of the Bombyx mori Nistari strain from India was investigated. Three new U1 variants were detected. One of the new isoforms (U1 SG1) was found to be preferentially assembled into high molecular weight spliceosomal complexes in comparison with the total cellular lysate RNA control. Structural and nucleotide differences were examined in these new isoforms and compared with the previously reported U1 variants. Free energy (ΔG) values for the entire U1 snRNA secondary structures as well as the individual stem/loops (I, II, III and IV) domains of the isoforms were estimated to determine their structural stability.
Protein contents, physical and sensory properties of Nigerian snack foods (cake, chin‐chin and puff‐puff) prepared from cowpea – wheat flour blends
Authors: Akubor Peter I. 
Published: March 2004

SummarySome Nigerian snack foods, particularly cake, chin‐chin and puff‐puff, were prepared from blends of cowpea and wheat flours. The snack foods were evaluated for their protein content, physical and sensory characteristics. The latter included colour, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. All the snack foods showed higher protein content when compared with the 100% wheat flour based snack foods. The protein content increased with the increasing levels of cowpea flour in the blend. The physical properties of the supplemented snack foods were not adversely affected by supplementation with cowpea. Similarly, at all levels of cowpea supplementation, the sensory characteristics of the snack foods did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from those of the 100% wheat flour based snack foods.
Identification of irradiation treatment in black pepper by electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Franco Roberto W. A. , Martin‐Neto Ladislau , Kato Maria S. A. , Furlan Gilberto R. , Walder Júlio M. M. , Colnago Luiz A. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryElectron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to study free radicals in black pepper, and to evaluate the potential of these radicals in identifying radiation treatment. A doublet signal was detected at g = 2.0042 and a = 1.83 mT, produced exclusively by radiolysis. This signal is as stable as that of irradiated cellulose, and can be used to identify recent radiation treatment. A line produced both by radiolysis and thermolysis was observed, and its behaviour with thermal treatments suggests that it cannot be used as an irradiation indicator for doses up to 30 kGy, contradicting a model proposed in the literature.