Sample records for yodo oto tokusei

  1. Analysis of change of red tide species in Yodo River estuary by the numerical ecosystem model.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, Mitsuru; Yanagi, Tetsuo

    2008-01-01

    Occurrence number of red tides in Osaka Bay in Japan is more than 20 cases every year. Diatom red tide was dominant in Osaka Bay, but the non-diatom red tide was dominant in early 1990s. Therefore, the material cycling in Yodo River estuary in Osaka Bay during August from 1991 to 2000 was analyzed by using the numerical ecosystem model and field observation data to clarify the reasons of change in red tide species. Year-to-year variation in calculated concentration ratio of diatom to non-diatom corresponds to the variation in observed ratio of red tide days of diatom to non-diatom. Limiting nutrient of primary production is phosphate over the period. Diatom dominated from 1991 to 1993, but it was difficult for non-diatom to grow due to the limitation by physical condition. Non-diatom was able to grow because of good physical and nutrient conditions from 1994 to 1996. And diatom dominated again under the good physical condition, and phosphorus supply was not enough for non-diatom to grow from 1998 to 2000. Phosphate concentration in the lower layer of Yodo River estuary was important to the variation in red tide species in the upper layer of Yodo River estuary.

  2. PhOTO Zebrafish: A Transgenic Resource for In Vivo Lineage Tracing during Development and Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Dempsey, William P.; Fraser, Scott E.; Pantazis, Periklis

    2012-01-01

    Background Elucidating the complex cell dynamics (divisions, movement, morphological changes, etc.) underlying embryonic development and adult tissue regeneration requires an efficient means to track cells with high fidelity in space and time. To satisfy this criterion, we developed a transgenic zebrafish line, called PhOTO, that allows photoconvertible optical tracking of nuclear and membrane dynamics in vivo. Methodology PhOTO zebrafish ubiquitously express targeted blue fluorescent protein (FP) Cerulean and photoconvertible FP Dendra2 fusions, allowing for instantaneous, precise targeting and tracking of any number of cells using Dendra2 photoconversion while simultaneously monitoring global cell behavior and morphology. Expression persists through adulthood, making the PhOTO zebrafish an excellent tool for studying tissue regeneration: after tail fin amputation and photoconversion of a ∼100µm stripe along the cut area, marked differences seen in how cells contribute to the new tissue give detailed insight into the dynamic process of regeneration. Photoconverted cells that contributed to the regenerate were separated into three distinct populations corresponding to the extent of cell division 7 days after amputation, and a subset of cells that divided the least were organized into an evenly spaced, linear orientation along the length of the newly regenerating fin. Conclusions/Significance PhOTO zebrafish have wide applicability for lineage tracing at the systems-level in the early embryo as well as in the adult, making them ideal candidate tools for future research in development, traumatic injury and regeneration, cancer progression, and stem cell behavior. PMID:22431986

  3. Anatomic and Quantitative Temporal Bone CT for Preoperative Assessment of Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Ginat, D T; Ferro, L; Gluth, M B

    2016-12-01

    We describe the temporal bone computed tomography (CT) findings of an unusual case of branchio-oto-renal syndrome with ectopic ossicles that are partially located in the middle cranial fossa. We also describe quantitative temporal bone CT assessment pertaining to cochlear implantation in the setting of anomalous cochlear anatomy associated with this syndrome.

  4. Evaluation of lead concentration by one-box type multimedia model in Lake Biwa-Yodo River basin of Japan.

    PubMed

    Kondo, Akira; Yamamoto, Megumi; Inoue, Yoshio; Ariyadasa, B H A K T

    2013-07-01

    A one box type multimedia model was developed and applied for Lake Biwa-Yodo River basin in Japan to assess the distribution of lead in the environment. This model is based on mass balance and includes four environmental media; the atmosphere, the soil, the water body, and the sediment. The mass balance of lead is represented by the summation of mass transfer flux at equilibrium, emission flux, advection flux, and deposition flux or sedimentation flux. In the case of metallic compounds, dissolution rate and exchange equilibrium have also been taken into consideration. Pollutant Release and Transfer Registry (PRTR) in Japan was used as one of the major data source for this study. The emission of lead in Lake Biwa-Yodo River basin is calculated based on five sources of registered emission in PRTR, unregistered emission in PRTR, incinerators, leaded gasoline, and landfills. In this study, we estimated lead emission from 1957 to 2007 to observe the temporal accumulation of lead. Calculated lead concentrations were compared with the measured/observed concentrations. It was found out that the model could closely predict lead concentration in the soil and the water body. The concentration in the atmosphere was underestimated by the calculated concentrations. The reason was attributed to the underestimation of the amount of lead emission from incinerators. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Screening for potentially hazardous PRTR chemicals in the Lake Biwa-Yodo River basin of Japan using a one-box multimedia model.

    PubMed

    Ariyadasa, B H A K T; Kondo, Akira; Inoue, Yoshio

    2015-02-01

    A system is needed to predict the behavior, fate, and occurrence of environmental pollutants for effective environmental monitoring. Available monitoring data and computational modeling were used to develop a one-box multimedia model based on the mass balance of the emitted chemicals. Eight physiochemical phenomena in the atmosphere, soil, water, and sediment were considered in this model. This study was carried out in the Lake Biwa-Yodo River basin which provides multiple land uses and also the natural water resource for nearly 13 million of population in the region. Annual emissions for 214 nonmetallic compounds were calculated using the chemical emission data on Japanese pollutant release and transfer registry and used for executing the model simulations for 1997, 2002, and 2008 as input data. The calculated chemical concentrations by the model for all the environmental media were analyzed to determine trends in concentration over this study span. The majority of the chemicals decreased in concentration over time. Among the 214 nonmetallic chemical pollutants, 36 chemicals did not decrease in concentration and were in the top 10 % for concentration on average. Of these 36 pollutants, 7 occur in all 4 environmental media and pose a potential health risk at humans in the Lake Biwa-Yodo River basin.

  6. [Middle ear salivary gland choristoma related to branchio-oto-renal syndrome diagnosed by array-CGH].

    PubMed

    Amrhein, P; Sittel, C; Spaich, C; Kohlhase, J; Boppert, R; Kohlhof, P; Koitschev, A

    2014-05-01

    Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is characterized by ear malformations associated with sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. In addition, preauricular tags, preauricular pits, branchial cleft fistulas and cysts, as well as renal dysplasia are seen. A genetic mutation on chromosome 8, either autosomal dominantly inherited or occuring as a spontaneous mutation, is the cause in the majority of cases. Using array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), it is possible to detect even the smallest genetic changes. Salivary gland choristoma in the middle ear is very rare. Surgical removal and histological clarification are required.

  7. 4-aminopyridine in scala media reversibly alters the cochlear potentials and suppresses electrically evoked oto-acoustic emissions.

    PubMed

    Kirk, D L; Yates, G K

    1998-01-01

    Iontophoresis of 4-aminopyridine into scala media of the guinea pig cochlea caused elevation of the thresholds of the compound action potential of the auditory nerve, loss of amplitude of the extracellular cochlear microphonic response (CM), increase in the endocochlear potential (EP) and reduction in the amplitude of electrically evoked oto-acoustic emissions (EEOAEs). These changes were reversible over 10-20 min. The reciprocity of the changes in the CM and the EP was consistent with an interruption of both DC and AC currents through outer hair cells (OHCs), probably by blockade of mechano-electrical transduction (MET) channels in OHCs. Reductions in EEOAEs were consistent with the extrinsically applied generating current entering the OHC via the MET channels. Implications for the activation of OHC electromotility in vivo are discussed.

  8. Diagnostic and surgical challenge: middle ear dermoid cyst in 12 month old with branchio-oto-renal syndrome and multiple middle-ear congenital anomalies.

    PubMed

    Johnston, D R; Whittemore, K; Poe, D; Robson, C D; Perez-Atayde, A R

    2011-10-01

    Described is the first case report, to our knowledge, of a middle-ear dermoid in a child with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. Radiographic, pathologic, and intraoperative figures are shown. This was a diagnostic and surgical challenge as the presentation was similar to a congenital cholesteatoma and the child had numerous significant temporal bone abnormalities. After the intraoperative findings suggested a non-destructive process, the treatment strategy was altered. This case reiterates the need for a cautious, flexible operative approach in a syndromic child. Included is a relevant review of the literature and a detailed clinical analysis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Narrow-band evoked oto-acoustic emission from ears with normal and pathologic conditions.

    PubMed

    Takeda, Taizo; Kakigi, Akinobu; Takebayashi, Shinji; Ohono, Satoshi; Nishioka, Rie; Nakatani, Hiroaki

    2010-01-01

    Evoked oto-acoustic emission (EOAE), in particular the slow component, is fragile with the inner ear lesions and is apt to disappear in impaired ears. This presence is thought to mean that inner ear is not badly damaged, and that the presence of EOAEs in early stage sudden deafness carries a good prognosis. Narrow-band EOAE analysis would open a potentially promising way to manage sensorineural deafness. The aim of present study was to evaluate the characteristics of EOAEs from pathologic ears by a narrow-band EOAE analysis, which allowed us to investigate amplitude, frequency content and latency of EOAEs simultaneously and also to easily detect weak echoes in cases with inner ear lesions. EOAEs were analyzed by investigating narrow-band frequency contents of EOAEs, filtered by a 100-Hz step of pass bandwidth in frequency regions from 1.0 to 2.0 kHz, and by 500 Hz of pass bandwidth in the frequency ranges of 0.5-1.0 and 2.0-5.0 kHz. EOAE testing was performed in 40 normal ears and 111 ears with pathologic disorders, including sudden deafness, Ménière's disease and surgically proven acoustic neurinomas. Spontaneous oto-acoustic emission was investigated in some cases. In acoustic neurinoma, especially computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging tests were performed to assess the tumor size. (1) Narrow-band EOAE analysis revealed that EOAEs from normal ears were composed of two main echo trains and several sub-echoes. The main echo trains were divided into a fast component with a short latency of <10 ms and a slow component with a long latency of >10 ms. (2) EOAEs could often be detected from ears with moderate to severe hearing loss >45 dB HL in early stage sudden deafness. The prognosis of sudden deafness was good in cases where both a fast component and slow component were detected in the acute stage within 2 weeks after the deafness onset, and was pessimistic, when either or both of them failed to recover. (3) In Ménière's disease, EOAE was found

  10. Oto-facial syndrome and esophageal atresia, intellectual disability and zygomatic anomalies - expanding the phenotypes associated with EFTUD2 mutations

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Mutations in EFTUD2 were proven to cause a very distinct mandibulofacial dysostosis type Guion-Almeida (MFDGA, OMIM #610536). Recently, gross deletions and mutations in EFTUD2 were determined to cause syndromic esophageal atresia (EA), as well. We set forth to find further conditions caused by mutations in the EFTUD2 gene (OMIM *603892). Methods and results We performed exome sequencing in two familial cases with clinical features overlapping with MFDGA and EA, but which were previously assumed to represent distinct entities, a syndrome with esophageal atresia, hypoplasia of zygomatic complex, microcephaly, cup-shaped ears, congenital heart defect, and intellectual disability in a mother and her two children [AJMG 143A(11):1135-1142, 2007] and a supposedly autosomal recessive oto-facial syndrome with midline malformations in two sisters [AJMG 132(4):398-401, 2005]. While the analysis of our exome data was in progress, a recent publication made EFTUD2 mutations highly likely in these families. This hypothesis could be confirmed with exome as well as with Sanger sequencing. Also, in three further sporadic patients, clinically overlapping to these two families, de novo mutations within EFTUD2 were identified by Sanger sequencing. Our clinical and molecular workup of the patients discloses a broad phenotypic spectrum, and describes for the first time an instance of germline mosaicism for an EFTUD2 mutation. Conclusions The clinical features of the eight patients described here further broaden the phenotypic spectrum caused by EFTUD2 mutations or deletions. We here show, that it not only includes mandibulofacial dysostosis type Guion-Almeida, which should be reclassified as an acrofacial dysostosis because of thumb anomalies (present in 12/35 or 34% of patients) and syndromic esophageal atresia [JMG 49(12). 737-746, 2012], but also the two new syndromes, namely oto-facial syndrome with midline malformations published by Mégarbané et al. [AJMG 132(4): 398

  11. Management of somatic pain induced by head-and-neck cancer treatment: definition and assessment. Guidelines of the French Oto-Rhino-Laryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL).

    PubMed

    Binczak, M; Navez, M; Perrichon, C; Blanchard, D; Bollet, M; Calmels, P; Couturaud, C; Dreyer, C; Espitalier, F; Testelin, S; Albert, S; Morinière, S

    2014-09-01

    The authors present the guidelines of the French Oto-Rhino-Laryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Society (Société Française d'Oto-rhino-Laryngologie et de Chirurgie de la Face et du Cou [SFORL]) for the management of somatic pain induced by head-and-neck cancer treatment, and in particular the instruments needed for the definition and initial assessment of the various types of pain. A multidisciplinary work group was entrusted with a review of the scientific literature on the above topic. Guidelines were drawn up, based on the articles retrieved and the group members' individual experience. They were then read over by an editorial group independent of the work group. The final version was established in a coordination meeting. The guidelines were graded as A, B, C or expert opinion, by decreasing level of evidence. The priority is to eliminate tumoral recurrence when pain reappears or changes following head-and-neck cancer treatment. Neuropathic pain screening instruments and pain assessment scales should be used to assess pain intensity and treatment efficacy. Functional rehabilitation sessions should be prescribed to reduce musculoskeletal pain and prevent ankylosis and postural disorder. Psychotherapy and mind-body therapy, when available, should be provided in case of chronic pain. In case of recalcitrant complex pain, referral should be made to a multidisciplinary pain structure. The management of somatic pain induced by head-and-neck cancer treatment above all requires identifying and assessing the intensity of the various types of pain involved, their functional impact and their emotional component. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  12. EYA1 mutations associated with the branchio-oto-renal syndrome result in defective otic development in Xenopus laevis

    PubMed Central

    Li, Youe; Manaligod, Jose M.; Weeks, Daniel L.

    2009-01-01

    Background information. The BOR (branchio-oto-renal) syndrome is a dominant disorder most commonly caused by mutations in the EYA1 (Eyes Absent 1) gene. Symptoms commonly include deafness and renal anomalies. Results. We have used the embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis as an animal model for early ear development to examine the effects of different EYA1 mutations. Four eya1 mRNAs encoding proteins correlated with congenital anomalies in human were injected into early stage embryos. We show that the expression of mutations associated with BOR, even in the presence of normal levels of endogenous eya1 mRNA, leads to morphologically abnormal ear development as measured by overall otic vesicle size, establishment of sensory tissue and otic innervation. The molecular consequences of mutant eya1 expression were assessed by QPCR (quantitative PCR) analysis and in situ hybridization. Embryos expressing mutant eya1 showed altered levels of multiple genes (six1, dach, neuroD, ngnr-1 and nt3) important for normal ear development. Conclusions. These studies lend support to the hypothesis that dominant-negative effects of EYA1 mutations may have a role in the pathogenesis of BOR. PMID:19951260

  13. Dose escalation study of intravenous and intra-arterial N-acetylcysteine for the prevention of oto- and nephrotoxicity of cisplatin with a contrast-induced nephropathy model in patients with renal insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Dósa, Edit; Heltai, Krisztina; Radovits, Tamás; Molnár, Gabriella; Kapocsi, Judit; Merkely, Béla; Fu, Rongwei; Doolittle, Nancy D; Tóth, Gerda B; Urdang, Zachary; Neuwelt, Edward A

    2017-10-03

    Cisplatin neuro-, oto-, and nephrotoxicity are major problems in children with malignant tumors, including medulloblastoma, negatively impacting educational achievement, socioemotional development, and overall quality of life. The blood-labyrinth barrier is somewhat permeable to cisplatin, and sensory hair cells and cochlear supporting cells are highly sensitive to this toxic drug. Several chemoprotective agents such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were utilized experimentally to avoid these potentially serious and life-long side effects, although no clinical phase I trial was performed before. The purpose of this study was to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics of both intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) NAC in adults with chronic kidney disease to be used in further trials on oto- and nephroprotection in pediatric patients receiving platinum therapy. Due to ethical considerations in pediatric tumor patients, we used a clinical population of adults with non-neoplastic disease. Subjects with stage three or worse renal failure who had any endovascular procedure were enrolled in a prospective, non-randomized, single center trial to determine the MTD for NAC. We initially aimed to evaluate three patients each at 150, 300, 600, 900, and 1200 mg/kg NAC. The MTD was defined as one dose level below the dose producing grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Serum NAC levels were assessed before, 5 and 15 min post NAC. Twenty-eight subjects (15 men; mean age 72.2 ± 6.8 years) received NAC IV (N = 13) or IA (N = 15). The first participant to experience grade 4 toxicity was at the 600 mg/kg IV dose, at which time the protocol was modified to add an additional dose level of 450 mg/kg NAC. Subsequently, no severe NAC-related toxicity arose and 450 mg/kg NAC was found to be the MTD in both IV and IA groups. Blood levels of NAC showed a linear dose response (p < 0.01). Five min after either IV or IA NAC MTD dose administration, serum NAC levels reached

  14. A novel nonsense mutation in the EYA1 gene associated with branchio-oto-renal/branchiootic syndrome in an Afrikaner kindred.

    PubMed

    Clarke, J C; Honey, E M; Bekker, E; Snyman, L C; Raymond, R M; Lord, C; Brophy, P D

    2006-07-01

    Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the associations of hearing loss, branchial arch defects and renal anomalies. Branchiootic (BO) syndrome is a related disorder that presents without the highly variable characteristic renal anomalies of BOR syndrome. Dominant mutations in the human homologue of the Drosophila eyes absent gene (EYA1) are frequently the cause of both BOR and BO syndromes. We report a South African family of Afrikaner descent with affected individuals presenting with pre-auricular abnormalities and either hearing loss or bilateral absence of the kidneys. Genetic analysis of the pedigree detected a novel EYA1 heterozygous nonsense mutation in affected family members but not in unaffected family members or a random DNA panel. Through mutational analysis, we conclude that this particular mutation is the cause of BOR/BO syndrome in this family as a result of a truncation of the EYA1 protein that ablates the critical EYA homologous region. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of BOR/BO syndrome reported in Africa or in those of the Afrikaner descent.

  15. Source estimation of pharmaceuticals based on catchment population and in-stream attenuation in Yodo River watershed, Japan.

    PubMed

    Hanamoto, Seiya; Nakada, Norihide; Yamashita, Naoyuki; Tanaka, Hiroaki

    2018-02-15

    Fifty-five pharmaceuticals were monitored at four rivers and inlets and/or outlets of three sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Yodo River watershed, Japan over 17 sampling events. Twenty-six quantified pharmaceuticals were classified by source and fate. The load per person (LPP) of nine pharmaceuticals, including six with observed mass balance in studied river stretch of <80%, was appreciably lower in river water (RW) than in the effluent (EF) of STPs (RW/EF <0.5), indicating that they were susceptible to in-stream attenuation in the study area, while the others were relatively conservative. The LPP of 12 pharmaceuticals in RW were within ±50% of that in EF. Because their mass loadings in rivers were correlated with human population in the catchment and most people use the sewer system, the major source of the 12 pharmaceuticals was considered to be STPs. The LPP of the three most labile pharmaceuticals in STPs (caffeine, theophylline, and acetaminophen) was >1.5 in RW/EF and <1.0 in RW/influent (IF) of STPs. Poorly treated sewage discharged from households without using the sewer system was considered to be influential source of the three pharmaceuticals. The LPP (RW/EF) of caffeine, a pharmaceutical contained in food and beverage, was considerably higher than that of the other two, and this is attributable to untreated gray water discharged at households using the night-soil treatment system. The LPP of two veterinary drugs (sulfamonomethoxine and lincomycin) were >1.5 (RW/EF) and >1.0 (RW/IF). Their mass loadings in rivers showed a positive correlation with swine population in the catchment, although sulfamonomethoxine is equally used in both cattle and swine farming. This was attributable to application of cattle excrement as manure, and lability of sulfamonomethoxine during composting processes. The major source of the two veterinary drugs was considered to be on-site treatment facilities of swine urine. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Genomewide search and genetic localization of a second gene associated with autosomal dominant branchio-oto-renal syndrome: clinical and genetic implications.

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, S; Deffenbacher, K; Marres, H A; Cremers, C W; Kimberling, W J

    2000-01-01

    Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is characterized by ear malformations, cervical fistulas, hearing loss, and renal anomalies. It is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable clinical manifestations. The most common features of BOR syndrome are branchial, hearing, and renal anomalies. However, many affected subjects have been observed with branchial-cleft anomalies and hearing loss but without renal anomalies, a condition called "branchio-otic" (BO) syndrome. It is logical to question whether the BOR and BO syndromes are allelic or whether they represent distinct genetic entities. We identified a very large extended family whose members had branchial and hearing anomalies associated with commissural lip pits that segregated in an autosomal dominant fashion. Using a genomewide search strategy, we identified genetic linkage, with a maximum LOD score of 4.81 at recombination fraction 0, between the BO phenotype and polymorphic marker D1S2757 in the genetic region of chromosome 1q31. This is the first report of linkage for a second gene associated with BOR syndrome. The findings have important clinical implications and will provide insight into the genetic basis of BOR syndrome. PMID:10762556

  17. Enhancement of electrically evoked oto-acoustic emissions associated with low-frequency stimulus bias of the basilar membrane towards scala vestibuli.

    PubMed

    Kirk, D L; Yates, G K

    1998-09-01

    Electrically evoked oto-acoustic emissions (EEOAEs) are sounds present in the ear canal when ac current is passed into the cochlea. EEOAEs are attributed to the activation of fast electromotile responses in outer hair cells (OHCs). An interesting property of EEOAEs is the phenomenon of "acoustic enhancement," where the emission amplitude is increased by moderate-level sound [D. C. Mountain and A. E. Hubbard, Hear. Res. 42, 195-202 (1989)]. In this report a form of enhancement is described which occurs with displacements of the basilar membrane toward scala vestibuli, during amplitude modulation of the EEOAE waveform by low-frequency tones. This "SV-bias enhancement" possibly consists of two components: (i) a low-level component induced by sound at levels which produce nonlinear growth of the cochlear microphonic and which may be equivalent to the "acoustic enhancement" described previously, and (ii) a high-level component which occurs at sound levels well above those which cause saturation of the cochlear microphonic. The low-level component could be explained by either an increased access of the extrinsically applied current to a membrane-based source of OHC motility, perhaps coupled with a reduction in negative feedback, or an increase in electromotile output during scala vestibuli displacements, but the origin of the high-level component is obscure.

  18. Quantifying Japanese Residents' Preferences for Public Meetings in Watershed Decision-Making Process

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sakagami, Masaji; Ohno, Tomohiko; Tanaka, Takuya

    2010-01-01

    In this article, we quantified Japanese residents' potential preferences for public participation, specifically public meetings, concerning regional environmental issues in Yodo River watershed decision-making process. We conducted a choice experiments (CE) survey in the Yodo River watershed in Japan. Our findings confirmed that residents assign a…

  19. Transient evoked oto-acoustic emission screening in newborns in Bogotá, Colombia: a retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Rojas, Jorge A; Bernal, Jaime E; García, Mary A; Zarante, Ignacio; Ramírez, Natalia; Bernal, Constanza; Gelvez, Nancy; Tamayo, Marta L

    2014-10-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and performance of transient evoked oto-acoustic emission (TEOAE) hearing screening in newborns in Colombia, and analyze all possible variables and factors affecting the results. An observational, descriptive and retrospective study with bivariate analysis was performed. The study population consisted of 56,822 newborns evaluated at the private institution, PREGEN. TEOAE testing was carried out as a pediatric hearing screening test from December 2003 to March 2012. The database from PREGEN was revised, and the protocol for evaluation included the same screening test performed twice. Demographic characteristics were recorded and the newborn's background was evaluated. Basic statistics of the qualitative and quantitative variables, and statistical analysis were obtained using the chi-square test. Of the 56,822 records examined, 0.28% were classed as abnormal, which corresponded to a prevalence of 1 in 350. In the screened newborns, 0.08% had a major abnormality or other clinical condition diagnosed, and 0.29% reported a family history of hearing loss. A prevalence of 6.7 in 10,000 was obtained for microtia, which is similar to the 6.4 in 10,000 previously reported in Colombia (database of the Latin-American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations - ECLAMC). Statistical analysis demonstrated an association between presenting with a major anomaly and a higher frequency of abnormal results on both TEOAE tests. Newborns in Colombia do not currently undergo screening for the early detection of hearing impairment. The results from this study suggest TEOAE screening tests, when performed twice, are able to detect hearing abnormalities in newborns. This highlights the need to improve the long-term evaluation and monitoring of patients in Colombia through diagnostic tests, and to provide tests that are both sensitive and specific. Furthermore, the use of TEOAE screening is justified by the favorable cost

  20. Refining the region of branchio-oto-renal syndrome and defining the flanking markers on chromosome 8q by genetic mapping.

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, S.; Kimberling, W. J.; Connolly, C. J.; Tinley, S.; Marres, H. A.; Cremers, C. W.

    1994-01-01

    Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with external-, middle-, and inner-ear malformations, branchial cleft sinuses, cervical fistulas, mixed hearing loss, and renal anomalies. The gene for BOR was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 8q. Several polymorphic dinucleotide repeat markers were investigated for linkage in two large BOR families, and the region of localization was refined. Two-point linkage analysis yielded the maximum lod scores of 7.44 at theta = .03 and 6.71 at theta = .04, with markers D8S279 and D8S260, respectively. A multipoint analysis was carried out to position the BOR gene with a defined region using markers D8S165, D8S285, PENK, D8S166, D8S260, D8S279, D8S164, D8S286, D8S84, D8S275, D8S167, D8S273, and D8S271. Haplotype analysis of recombination events at these polymorphic loci was also performed in multigeneration BOR kindreds. The linkage analysis and analysis of recombination events identified markers that clearly flank the BOR locus. The order was determined to be D8S260-BOR-D8S279 at odds > 10(3):1 over the other possible orders. This flanking markers provide a resource for high-resolution mapping toward cloning and characterizing the BOR gene. PMID:7977379

  1. Efficacy of Distortion Product Oto-Acoustic Emission (OAE)/Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response (ABR) Protocols in Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening and Detecting Hearing Loss in Children <2 Years of Age.

    PubMed

    Mishra, Girish; Sharma, Yojana; Mehta, Kanishk; Patel, Gunjan

    2013-04-01

    Deafness is commonest curable childhood handicap. Most remedies and programmes don't address this issue at childhood level leading to detrimental impact on development of newborns. Aims and objectives are (A) screen all newborns for deafness and detect prevalence of deafness in children less than 2 years of age. and (B) assess efficacy of multi-staged OAE/ABR protocol for hearing screening. Non-randomized, prospective study from August 2008 to August 2011. All infants underwent a series of oto-acoustic emission (OAE) and final confirmatory auditory brainstem evoked response (ABR) audiometry. Finally, out of 1,101 children, 1,069 children passed the test while 12 children had impaired hearing after final testing, confirmed by ABR. Positive predictive value of OAE after multiple test increased to 100 %. OAE-ABR test series is effective in screening neonates and multiple tests reduce economic burden. High risk screening will miss nearly 50 % deaf children, thus universal screening is indispensable in picking early deafness.

  2. Detection of a megabase deletion in a patient with brachio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) and tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS): Implications for mapping and cloning the BOR gene

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gu, J.Z.; Wells, D.E.; Wagner, M.J.

    Genetic linkage analysis has previously mapped the locus for the autosomal dominant disorder branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) to the pericentric region of chromosome 8q. A YAC contig spanning the putative BOR region, from D8S543 to D8S541, was constructed and confirmed by sequence-tagged site content mapping using microsatellite markers and by DNA hybridization analysis. YACs spanning the BOR interval were used as fluorescence in situ hybridization probes on a cell line from a patient with BO and tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome I that involves a chromosome 8q rearrangement. In addition to the cytogenetically defined direct insertion of material from 8q13.3-q21.13 into 8q24.11, a previouslymore » unidentified deletion of just under one megabase was found in 8q13.3. These data narrowed the most likely location of the BOR gene to a region corresponding to the proximal two-thirds of YAC 869E10 between D8S543 and D8S279. 23 refs., 3 figs.« less

  3. Intratympanic Sustained-Exposure Dexamethasone Thermosensitive Gel for Symptoms of Ménière's Disease: Randomized Phase 2b Safety and Efficacy Trial

    PubMed Central

    Lambert, Paul R.; Carey, John; Mikulec, Anthony A.; LeBel, Carl

    2016-01-01

    Objective: To evaluate safety and efficacy of a single intratympanic injection of OTO-104, sustained-exposure dexamethasone, in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease. Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 2b study over 5 months. Setting: Fifty-two academic and community otolaryngology centers. Patients: One hundred fifty four patients (77 per group) aged 18 to 85 years inclusive. Intervention: Single intratympanic injection of OTO-104 (12 mg dexamethasone) or placebo. Main Outcome Measures: Efficacy (vertigo) and safety (adverse events, otoscopy, audiometry, tympanometry). Results: Primary endpoint (change from baseline in vertigo rate at Month 3) was not statistically significant (placebo [−43%], OTO-104 [−61%], P = 0.067). Improvements with OTO-104 were observed in prospectively defined secondary endpoints number of days with definitive vertigo, (Month 2 [P = 0.035], Month 3 [P = 0.030]), vertigo severity (Months 2–3, P = 0.046) and daily vertigo counts (Month 2, P = 0.042), and in some Short Form-36 (SF-36) subscales (Month 2 bodily pain P = 0.039, vitality P = 0.045, social functioning P = 0.025). No difference in tinnitus loudness or tinnitus handicap inventory (THI-25) was observed. OTO-104 was well tolerated; no negative impact on safety compared with placebo. Persistent tympanic membrane perforation was observed in two OTO-104 treated patients at study end. Conclusion: OTO-104 was well-tolerated, did not significantly affect change from baseline in vertigo rate, but did reduce number definitive vertigo days, vertigo severity, and average daily vertigo count compared with placebo during Month 3. Results provide insight into analyzing for a vertigo treatment effect and support advancing OTO-104 into Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of Ménière's disease symptoms. PMID:27749754

  4. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgeon unemployment in Canada: a cross-sectional survey of graduating Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery residents.

    PubMed

    Brandt, Michael G; Scott, Grace M; Doyle, Philip C; Ballagh, Robert H

    2014-09-16

    Recently graduated Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgeons (OTO-HNS) are facing an employment crisis. To date, there has been no systematic evaluation of the factors contributing to this situation, graduating OTO-HNS trainee employment rates, nor the employment concerns of these graduating residents. This investigation sought to empirically evaluate prospective OTO-HNS graduate employment, identify factors contributing to this situation, and provide suggestions going forward. A cross-sectional survey of the 2014 graduating cohort of OTO-HNS residents was conducted 6-months prior to graduation, and immediately following residency graduation. Surveyed items focused on the demographics of the graduating cohort, their future training and employment plans, and their concerns relative to the OTO-HNS employment situation. All twenty-nine Canadian medical school graduated OTO-HNS residents completed the initial survey, with 93% responding at the completion of residency. Only 6 (22%) indicated confirmed employment following residency training. 78% indicated that they were pursuing fellowship training. 90% identified the pursuit of fellowship training as a moderately influenced by limited job opportunities. The ability to find and secure full-time employment, losing technical skills if underemployed/unemployed, and being required to consider working in a less-desired city/province were most concerning. 34% of the residents felt that they were appropriately counseled during their residency training about employment. 90% felt that greater efforts should be made to proactively match residency-training positions to forecasted job opportunities. Canadian OTO-HN Surgeons lack confirmed employment, are choosing to pursue fellowship training to defer employment, and are facing startling levels of under- and unemployment. A multitude of factors have contributed to this situation and immediate action is required to rectify this slowly evolving catastrophe.

  5. Genetics Home Reference: otopalatodigital syndrome type 2

    MedlinePlus

    ... Testing (1 link) Genetic Testing Registry: Oto-palato-digital syndrome, type II Other Diagnosis and Management Resources ( ... syndrome FPO OPD syndrome, type 2 oto-palato-digital syndrome, type II Taybi syndrome Related Information How ...

  6. Genetics Home Reference: otopalatodigital syndrome type 1

    MedlinePlus

    ... Testing (1 link) Genetic Testing Registry: Oto-palato-digital syndrome, type I Other Diagnosis and Management Resources ( ... syndrome FPO OPD syndrome, type 1 oto-palato-digital syndrome, type I Taybi syndrome Related Information How ...

  7. Information scrambling at an impurity quantum critical point

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dóra, Balázs; Werner, Miklós Antal; Moca, Cǎtǎlin Paşcu

    2017-10-01

    The two-channel Kondo impurity model realizes a local non-Fermi-liquid state with finite residual entropy. The competition between the two channels drives the system to an impurity quantum critical point. We show that the out-of-time-ordered (OTO) commutator for the impurity spin reveals markedly distinct behavior depending on the low-energy impurity state. For the one-channel Kondo model with Fermi-liquid ground state, the OTO commutator vanishes for late times, indicating the absence of the butterfly effect. For the two channel case, the impurity OTO commutator is completely temperature independent and saturates quickly to its upper bound 1/4, and the butterfly effect is maximally enhanced. These compare favorably to numerics on spin chain representation of the Kondo model. Our results imply that a large late time value of the OTO commutator does not necessarily diagnose quantum chaos.

  8. Monomolecular Siloxane Film as a Model of Single Site Catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Martynowycz, Michael W.; Hu, Bo; Kuzmenko, Ivan; ...

    2016-09-06

    Achieving structurally well-defined catalytic species requires a fundamental understanding of surface chemistry. Detailed structural characterization of the catalyst binding sites in situ, such as single site catalysts on silica supports, is technically challenging or even unattainable. Octadecyltrioxysilane (OTOS) monolayers formed from octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) at the air-liquid interface after hydrolysis and condensation at low pH were chosen as a model system of surface binding sites in silica-supported Zn 2+ catalysts. We characterize the system by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity (XR), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XFS). Previous X-ray and infrared surface studies of OTMS/OTOS films at the airliquid interface proposedmore » the formation of polymer OTOS structures. According to our analysis, polymer formation is inconsistent with the X-ray observations and structural properties of siloxanes; it is energetically unfavorable and thus highly unlikely. We suggest an alternative mechanism of hydrolysis/condensation in OTMS leading to the formation of structurally allowed cyclic trimers with the six-membered siloxane rings, which explain well both the X-ray and infrared results. XR and XFS consistently demonstrate that tetrahedral [Zn(NH 3) 4] 2+ ions bind to hydroxyl groups of the film at a stoichiometric ratio of OTOS:Zn ~ 2:1. The high binding affinity of zinc ions to OTOS trimers suggests that the six-membered siloxane rings are binding locations for single site Zn/SiO 2 catalysts. Finally, our results show that OTOS monolayers may serve as a platform for studying silica surface chemistry or hydroxyl-mediated reactions.« less

  9. 40 CFR 81.328 - Nebraska.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Perkins County Phelps County Pierce County Platte County Polk County Red Willow County Richardson County... Morrill County Nance County Nemaha County Nuckolls County Otoe County Pawnee County Perkins County Phelps... Morrill County Nance County Nemaha County Nuckolls County Otoe County Pawnee County Perkins County Phelps...

  10. 40 CFR 81.328 - Nebraska.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Perkins County Phelps County Pierce County Platte County Polk County Red Willow County Richardson County... Morrill County Nance County Nemaha County Nuckolls County Otoe County Pawnee County Perkins County Phelps... Morrill County Nance County Nemaha County Nuckolls County Otoe County Pawnee County Perkins County Phelps...

  11. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery in undergraduate medical education: advances and innovations.

    PubMed

    Fung, Kevin

    2015-02-01

    Medical students graduate with the knowledge and skills to be undifferentiated general physicians. Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OtoHNS) is an essential component of primary healthcare, but is disproportionately under-represented in undergraduate medical education (UME). Advances and innovations in educational technology may represent an exciting and creative solution to this important problem. Failure to meet this educational need will result in substantial downstream effects in primary healthcare delivery. The objectives of this study were to 1) demonstrate current deficits in OtoHNS teaching at the UME level; 2) develop, validate, and critically appraise educational innovations that may enrich OtoHNS teaching in medical school curricula; and 3) propose a process for standardization of learning objectives for OtoHNS in UME as it relates to development and deployment of such educational tools. A white paper, prepared as a Triological Society thesis, which consolidates a prospective 10-year investigation of the problem of and potential solutions for under-representation of OtoHNS in UME. Cited datasets include multicenter surveys, cohort studies, and prospective, randomized controlled trials. A series of published and unpublished data were synthesized that addresses the following: 1) the current state of OtoHNS teaching at the UME level with respect to content, volume, structure, and methods; and 2) educational innovations including e-learning and simulation with emphasis on validity and learning effectiveness. Educational innovations specific to postgraduate (residency) training were excluded. Data support the observation that there is uniformly disproportionate under-representation of OtoHNS within UME curricula. Medical school graduates, especially those pursuing primary care specialties, report poor overall comfort levels in managing OtoHNS problems. A series of novel teaching methods were developed and validated using e-learning and simulation

  12. Scrambling and thermalization in a diffusive quantum many-body system

    DOE PAGES

    Bohrdt, A.; Mendl, C. B.; Endres, M.; ...

    2017-06-02

    Out-of-time ordered (OTO) correlation functions describe scrambling of information in correlated quantum matter. They are of particular interest in incoherent quantum systems lacking well defined quasi-particles. Thus far, it is largely elusive how OTO correlators spread in incoherent systems with diffusive transport governed by a few globally conserved quantities. Here, we study the dynamical response of such a system using high-performance matrix-product-operator techniques. Specifically, we consider the non-integrable, one-dimensional Bose–Hubbard model in the incoherent high-temperature regime. Our system exhibits diffusive dynamics in time-ordered correlators of globally conserved quantities, whereas OTO correlators display a ballistic, light-cone spreading of quantum information. Themore » slowest process in the global thermalization of the system is thus diffusive, yet information spreading is not inhibited by such slow dynamics. We furthermore develop an experimentally feasible protocol to overcome some challenges faced by existing proposals and to probe time-ordered and OTO correlation functions. As a result, our study opens new avenues for both the theoretical and experimental exploration of thermalization and information scrambling dynamics.« less

  13. Scrambling and thermalization in a diffusive quantum many-body system

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bohrdt, A.; Mendl, C. B.; Endres, M.

    Out-of-time ordered (OTO) correlation functions describe scrambling of information in correlated quantum matter. They are of particular interest in incoherent quantum systems lacking well defined quasi-particles. Thus far, it is largely elusive how OTO correlators spread in incoherent systems with diffusive transport governed by a few globally conserved quantities. Here, we study the dynamical response of such a system using high-performance matrix-product-operator techniques. Specifically, we consider the non-integrable, one-dimensional Bose–Hubbard model in the incoherent high-temperature regime. Our system exhibits diffusive dynamics in time-ordered correlators of globally conserved quantities, whereas OTO correlators display a ballistic, light-cone spreading of quantum information. Themore » slowest process in the global thermalization of the system is thus diffusive, yet information spreading is not inhibited by such slow dynamics. We furthermore develop an experimentally feasible protocol to overcome some challenges faced by existing proposals and to probe time-ordered and OTO correlation functions. As a result, our study opens new avenues for both the theoretical and experimental exploration of thermalization and information scrambling dynamics.« less

  14. Duty hour restrictions and surgical complications for head and neck key indicator procedures.

    PubMed

    Smith, Aaron; Jain, Nikhita; Wan, Jim; Wang, Lei; Sebelik, Merry

    2017-08-01

    Graduate medical education has traditionally required long work hours, allowing trainees little time for adequate rest. Based on concerns over performance deterioration with sleep deprivation and its effect on patient outcomes, duty hour restrictions have been mandated. We sought to characterize complications from otolaryngology key indicator procedures performed before and after duty hour reform. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of National Inpatient Sample (NIS). The NIS was queried for procedure codes associated with head and neck key indicator groupings for the years 2000-2002 (45,363 procedures) and 2006-2008 (51,144 procedures). Hospitals were divided into three groups: nonteaching hospitals (NTH), teaching hospitals without otolaryngology programs (TH), and teaching hospitals with otolaryngology programs (TH-OTO). Surgical complication rates, length of stay, and mortality rates were analyzed using logistic and linear regression. The number of procedures increased (12.7%), with TH-OTO contributing more in postrestriction years (21% to 30%). Overall complication rates between the two periods revealed no difference, regardless of hospital setting. Subset analysis showed some variation within each complication within each grouping. Length of stay increased at TH-OTO (2.75 to 2.78 days) and decreased at NTH (2.28 to 2.24 days) and TH (2.39 to 2.36 days). Mortality did not increase among the three hospital types (NTH, P < .58; TH, P < .96; TH-OTO, P < .06). During the latter period, TH-OTO procedures showed lower mortality (P < .0038, odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27-0.77). Increasing Charlson comorbidity index increased overall mortality rate (P < .0001, OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 2.4-2.89). Overall complication rates did not change for head and neck key indicator procedures. Moreover, concerns about reduced surgical case numbers appear unfounded, especially for otolaryngology programs. 2c Laryngoscope

  15. Association of Otolaryngology Resident Duty Hour Restrictions With Procedure-Specific Outcomes in Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery.

    PubMed

    Smith, Aaron; Braden, Lauren; Wan, Jim; Sebelik, Merry

    2017-06-01

    Graduate medical education has undergone a transformation from traditional long work hours to a restricted plan to allow adequate rest for residents. The initial goal of this restriction is to improve patient outcomes. To determine whether duty hour restrictions had any impact on surgery-specific outcomes by analyzing complications following thyroid and parathyroid procedures performed before and after duty hour reform. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS).The NIS was queried for procedure codes associated with thyroid and parathyroid procedures for the years 2000 to 2002 and 2006 to 2008. Hospitals were divided based on teaching status into 3 groups: nonteaching hospitals (NTHs), teaching hospitals without otolaryngology programs (THs), and teaching hospitals with otolaryngology programs (THs-OTO). Procedure-specific complication rates, length of stay, and mortality rates were collected. SAS statistical software (version 9.4) was used for analysis with adjustment using Charlson comorbidity index. Total numbers of head and neck endocrine procedures were 34 685 and 39 770 (a 14.7% increase), for 2000 to 2002 and 2006 to 2008, respectively. THs-OTO contributed a greater share of procedures in 2006 to 2008 (from 18% to 25%). With the earlier period serving as the reference, length of stay remained constant (2.1 days); however, total hospital charges increased (from $12 978 to $23 708; P < .001). Rates of postoperative hematoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06-1.38), hypoparathyroidism (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.52), and unintentional vessel lacerations (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.83) increased overall with NTHs (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.52), THs (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.15-2.37), and THs-OTO (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.09-3.61) accounting for these differences, respectively. Overall mortality decreased (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.94) following a decrease in the TH-OTO mortality rate (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12-0.93). While

  16. Endoscopy-Assisted Ear Surgery for Treatment of Chronic Otitis Media With Cholesteatoma, Adhesion, or Retraction Pockets.

    PubMed

    Ulku, Cagatay Han

    2017-06-01

    The objective of this study was to analyze the results of endoscopy-assisted ear surgery for the treatment of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma, adhesion, or retraction pockets.Fifty-one patients who underwent oto-endoscopy-assisted canal wall up tympanomastoid surgery and/or limited anterior atticotomy with tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma, adhesion, or retraction pocket from 2006 to 2013 have been included in this study. Eradication of the disease from the middle ear and mastoid air cells was achieved by combination of the oto-microscobic and oto-endoscopic approaches. Second look surgery was performed 18 months later from the initial surgery in selected patients. Age, gender, pre-/postoperative otoscopy findings/audiograms, type of the used prostheses, and follow-up time were obtained from the patient's file. Anatomic integrity rates of the tympanic membrane, the mean gains of air bone gap, on pure-tone audiogram at 4 frequencies and existence of the residual disease were reviewed parameters. Functional evaluation was made in patients with intact tympanic membrane.Of the 51 patients, the ratios of the chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma and isolated adhesive otitis or retraction pocket cases were 74.5% (38/51) and 25.5% (13/51), respectively. Ossicular chain reconstruction was made with PORP in 27 patients and TORP in 20 patients, whereas the ossicular chain was intact in 4 patients. Anatomic integrity rates of the tympanic membrane were 90.2% (46/51). The overall (n = 46) pre-/postoperative mean ABG obtained at 4 frequencies were 28.3 ± 12.26 and 9.18 ± 5.68 dB (P < 0.0001) respectively. Residual cholesteatoma rate was 10.5% (34/38) for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma patients. However, there was no recurrence or new cholesteatoma formation in isolated retraction pockets or adhesive otitis patients.Oto-endoscopic eradication of the cholesteatoma or epithelial tissue from hidden area after the all

  17. Blinded randomized controlled study of a web-based otoscopy simulator in undergraduate medical education.

    PubMed

    Stepniak, Camilla; Wickens, Brandon; Husein, Murad; Paradis, Josee; Ladak, Hanif M; Fung, Kevin; Agrawal, Sumit K

    2017-06-01

    OtoTrain is a Web-based otoscopy simulator that has previously been shown to have face and content validity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this Web-based otoscopy simulator in teaching diagnostic otoscopy to novice learners STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded randomized control trial. Second-year medical students were invited to participate in the study. A pretest consisted of a series of otoscopy videos followed by an open-answer format assessment pertaining to the characteristics and diagnosis of each video. Participants were then randomly divided into a control group and a simulator group. Following the pretest, both groups attended standard otology lectures, but the simulator group was additionally given unlimited access to OtoTrain for 1 week. A post-test was completed using a separate set of otoscopy videos. Tests were graded based on a comprehensive marking scheme. The pretest and post-test were anonymized, and the three evaluators were blinded to student allotment. A total of 41 medical students were enrolled in the study and randomized to the control group (n = 20) and the simulator group (n = 21). There was no significant difference between the two groups on their pretest scores. With the standard otology lectures, the control group had a 31% improvement in their post-test score (mean ± standard error of the mean, 30.4 ± 1.5) compared with their pretest score (23.3 ± 1.8) (P < .001). The simulator group had the addition of OtoTrain to the otology lectures, and their score improved by 71% on their post-test (37.8 ± 1.6) compared to their pretest (22.1 ± 1.9) (P < .001). Comparing the post-test results, the simulator group had a 24% higher score than the control group (P < .002). Inter-rater reliability between the blinded evaluators was excellent (r = 0.953, P < .001). The use of OtoTrain increased the diagnostic otoscopic performance in novice learners. OtoTrain may be an effective teaching adjunct for undergraduate

  18. Association of Otolaryngology Resident Duty Hour Restrictions With Procedure-Specific Outcomes in Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Aaron; Braden, Lauren; Wan, Jim

    2017-01-01

    Importance Graduate medical education has undergone a transformation from traditional long work hours to a restricted plan to allow adequate rest for residents. The initial goal of this restriction is to improve patient outcomes. Objective To determine whether duty hour restrictions had any impact on surgery-specific outcomes by analyzing complications following thyroid and parathyroid procedures performed before and after duty hour reform. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS).The NIS was queried for procedure codes associated with thyroid and parathyroid procedures for the years 2000 to 2002 and 2006 to 2008. Hospitals were divided based on teaching status into 3 groups: nonteaching hospitals (NTHs), teaching hospitals without otolaryngology programs (THs), and teaching hospitals with otolaryngology programs (THs-OTO). Main Outcomes and Measures Procedure-specific complication rates, length of stay, and mortality rates were collected. SAS statistical software (version 9.4) was used for analysis with adjustment using Charlson comorbidity index. Results Total numbers of head and neck endocrine procedures were 34 685 and 39 770 (a 14.7% increase), for 2000 to 2002 and 2006 to 2008, respectively. THs-OTO contributed a greater share of procedures in 2006 to 2008 (from 18% to 25%). With the earlier period serving as the reference, length of stay remained constant (2.1 days); however, total hospital charges increased (from $12 978 to $23 708; P < .001). Rates of postoperative hematoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06-1.38), hypoparathyroidism (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.52), and unintentional vessel lacerations (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.83) increased overall with NTHs (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.52), THs (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.15-2.37), and THs-OTO (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.09-3.61) accounting for these differences, respectively. Overall mortality decreased (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0

  19. Are Patients with Spontaneous CSF Otorrhea and Superior Canal Dehiscence Congenitally Predisposed to Their Disorders?

    PubMed

    Stevens, Shawn M; Hock, Kiefer; Samy, Ravi N; Pensak, Myles L

    2018-04-01

    Objectives (1) Compare lateral skull base (LSB) height/thickness in patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (CSF), superior canal dehiscence (SCD), acoustic neuromas (AN), and otosclerosis (OTO). (2) Perform correlations between age, body mass index (BMI), sex, and LSB height/thickness. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods Patients with CSF, SCD, AN, and OTO diagnosed from 2006 to 2016 were included if they had high-definition temporal bone computed tomography (CT) and absence of trauma, radiation, chronic ear disease, and/or congenital anomaly. CT-based measurements included LSB height/thickness and pneumatization rates overlaying the external auditory canal (EAC), tegmen tympani (TgT), perigeniculate region (PG), and internal auditory canal (IAC). LSB height/thickness, age, sex, and BMI were statistically correlated. In total, 256 patients and 493 ears (109 CSF, 115 SCD, 269 AN/OTO) were measured. Results Patients with CSF had significantly higher BMIs than the other groups ( P < .001). Patients with CSF and SCD had similar radiographic LSB phenotypes at most measured locations. Both groups exhibited a significantly lower LSB height compared to the AN and OTO groups (mean, 3.9-4.2 mm vs 4.9-5.6 mm; P < .001). Patients with CSF and SCD also demonstrated significantly lower pneumatization rates, as low as 17% to 23% overlaying the PG and IAC ( P < .001). There were no statistically significant correlations found between age, sex, BMI, and LSB height/thickness at any measurement location in any group. Conclusions Patients with CSF and SCD exhibit similar radiographic LSB phenotypes. Age, sex, and BMI do not significantly correlate with LSB height/thickness. These data support the theory that CSF and SCD arise via similar congenital pathoetiologic mechanisms.

  20. [Position paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - current state of clinical and endoscopic diagnostics, evaluation, and therapy of swallowing disorders in children and adults].

    PubMed

    Arens, C; Herrmann, I F; Rohrbach, S; Schwemmle, C; Nawka, T

    2015-03-01

    Position Paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - Current State of Clinical and Endoscopic Diagnostics, Evaluation, and Therapy of Swallowing Disorders in Children and AdultsSwallowing disorders are frequent. The main concern is mortality due to aspiration induced pneumonia and malnutrition. On the other hand quality of life is severely affected. The demographic trend indicates an increase of dysphagia in the future. Neurodegenerative diseases, tumors of the digestive tract and sequelae of tumor treatment in the head and neck region are the main pathologic entities.Predominantly ENT physicians and phoniatrists, are asked for diagnostics and therapy who will coordinate the interdisciplinary treatment according to the endoscopic findings.A differentiated approach in history, diagnostics, and symptom oriented treatment is necessary for the mostly complex disorders. The integration of non-medical personnel such as logopeds (speech language pathologists), physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in planning and executing an effective therapy expands and completes the patient-oriented care. Conservative treatment by these therapists is an important pillar in the treatment. Parts of the specific diagnostics can be taken over by them in close cooperation.In particular an interdisciplinary cooperation with the staff from intensive care medicine is indispensable.The diagnostic procedures of specific endoscopy as described in this position paper are part of the primary and fundamental tasks of ENT specialists and phoniatrists.Endoscopy is a medical service that is basically not delegable. Consequently substitution of the physician is precluded. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  1. 75 FR 10330 - Nebraska Disaster #NE-00033

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-05

    ..., Madison, Morrill, Nance, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Rock, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Stanton, Thayer, Thurston... Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) James E. Rivera, Associate Administrator for Disaster...

  2. 75 FR 22873 - Nebraska Disaster # NE-00035

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-30

    ..., Madison, Nance, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Richardson, Saline, Seward, Stanton... of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) James E. Rivera, Associate Administrator for...

  3. Optimum modulation and demodulation matrices for solar polarimetry.

    PubMed

    del Toro Iniesta, J C; Collados, M

    2000-04-01

    Both temporal and/or spatial modulation are mandatory in current solar polarimetry [Appl. Opt. 24, 3893 (1985); 26, 3838 (1987)]. The modulating and demodulating processes are mathematically described by matrices O and D, respectively, on whose structure the accuracy of Stokes parameter measurements depend. We demonstrate, based on the definition of polarimetric efficiency [Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias Internal Report (1994); ASP Conf. Ser. 184, 3 (1999)], that the maximum efficiencies of an ideal polarimeter are unity for Stokes I and for (Q(2) + U(2) + V(2))(1/2) and that this occurs if and only if O(T)O is diagonal; given a general (possibly nonideal) modulation matrix O, the optimum demodulation matrix turns out to be D = (O(T)O)(-1)O(T); and the maximum efficiencies in the nonideal case are given by the rms value of the column elements of matrix O and are reached by modulation matrices such that O(T)O is diagonal. From these analytical results we distill two recipes useful in the practical design of polarimeters. Their usefulness is illustrated by discussing cases of currently available solar polarimeters. Although specifically devoted to solar polarimetry, the results here may be applied in practically all other branches of science for which polarimetric measurements are needed.

  4. 76 FR 53927 - Nebraska; Major Disaster and Related Determinations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-30

    ..., Cass, Dakota, Douglas, Garden, Knox, Lincoln, Otoe, Sarpy, Scotts Bluff, Thurston, and Washington... Numbers (CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031...

  5. Genetics Home Reference: branchiootorenal/branchiootic syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... Darbro BW, Clarke J, Nishimura C, Cobb B, Smith RJ, Manak JR. Genome-wide copy number variation ... Meyer NC, Cucci RA, Vervoort VS, Schwartz CE, Smith RJ. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome: the mutation spectrum ...

  6. Coexisting first and bilateral second branchial fistulas in a child with nonfamilial branchio-otic syndrome.

    PubMed

    Lapeña, Jose F; Jimena, Genilou Liv M

    2013-07-01

    We describe what we believe is only the third reported case of coexisting first and bilateral second branchial fistulas associated with nonfamilial branchio-otic syndrome. The patient was a 6-year-old girl who presented with bilaterally draining anterior neck puncta, a preauricular sinus, and moderately severe bilateral hearing loss. She had no family history of branchial anomalies. Compared with branchial cysts and sinuses, branchial fistulas are rare. Even more rare are bilateral second branchial fistulas coexisting with first branchial anomalies, as only 10 cases have been previously reported in the English-language literature. Of these 10 cases, 5 were associated with either branchio-otic syndrome or branchio-oto-renal syndrome; 2 patients had familial branchio-otic syndrome, 2 had nonfamilial branchio-otic syndrome, and 1 had nonfamilial branchio-oto-renal syndrome.

  7. Balance training of the equilibrium organ and its effect on flight strategy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Eikemeier, K. D.; Melzig, H. D.; Reicke, N.; Schmidt, W.

    1979-01-01

    An experimental program was conducted with the pendular platform of the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Clinic, which was developed for the investigation of disturbances of the equilibrium. The equilibrium sense of the glider pilot was emphasized. Results are presented.

  8. 7. SOUTHEAST ACROSS INTERIOR OF OFFICE IN SOUTHEAST CORNER OF ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    7. SOUTHEAST ACROSS INTERIOR OF OFFICE IN SOUTHEAST CORNER OF BUILDING TOWARD WINDOW ON STREET, SHOWING ONE DESK, OFFICE FIXTURES, AND LETTER BOXES FILLED WITH MANUSCRIPT BUSINESS RECORDS. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  9. 5. NORTH ACROSS INTERIOR OF OFFICE IN SOUTHEAST CORNER OF ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    5. NORTH ACROSS INTERIOR OF OFFICE IN SOUTHEAST CORNER OF BUILDING FROM DOORWAY IN SOUTH FRONT, SHOWING DRAFTING TABLE, MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CASE, DESKS, AND OFFICE FIXTURES/BUSINESS MACHINES. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  10. 77 FR 73456 - Update to the TR-12 Fuel Related Rate Adjustment Policy (SDDC Fuel Surcharge Policy)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-10

    ... Time Only (OTO) personal property movements, regardless of mode. SDDC will not pay a FRA for any type... less-than-truckload (LTL) and Personal Property (PP) shipments. The percentage of line-haul increment... property movements within the United States. This policy provides the transportation industry, including...

  11. 61. DETAIL OF HEAD, VANE STEM, VANE HINGE, AND WHEEL ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    61. DETAIL OF HEAD, VANE STEM, VANE HINGE, AND WHEEL OF AN ELI WINDMILL ON THE GROUND AT THE STOLL RESIDENCE ABOUT 1-1/2 MILES WEST OF NEBRASKA CITY ON STEAM WAGON ROAD. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  12. Hereditary Hearing Loss.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tran, LenhAnh P.; Grundfast, Kenneth M.

    1997-01-01

    This article discusses inheritance patterns in hearing loss, epidemiology, clues to genetic causes, locating genes that cause hereditary disorders, genes related to hearing loss disorders in individuals with Usher syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, Treacher-Collins syndrome, Branchio-oto-renal and Pendred syndromes, and the significance of finding…

  13. Allicin protects against cisplatin-induced vestibular dysfunction by inhibiting the apoptotic pathway.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xianmin; Cai, Jing; Li, Xiaofei; Li, He; Li, Jianfeng; Bai, Xiaohui; Liu, Wenwen; Han, Yuechen; Xu, Lei; Zhang, Daogong; Wang, Haibo; Fan, Zhaomin

    2017-06-15

    Cisplatin is an anticancer drug that causes the impairment of inner ear function as side effects, including hearing loss and balance dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of allicin against cisplatin-induced vestibular dysfunction in mice and to make clear the mechanism underlying the protective effects of allicin on oto-vestibulotoxicity. Mice intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin exhibited vestibular dysfunction in swimming test, which agreed with impairment in vestibule. However, these impairments were significantly prevented by pre-treatment with allicin. Allicin markedly reduced cisplatin-activated expression of cleaved-caspase-3 in hair cells and vascular layer cells of utricule, saccule and ampulla, but also decreased AIF nuclear translocation of hair cells in utricule, saccule and ampulla. These results showed that allicin played an effective role in protecting vestibular dysfunction induced by cisplatin via inhibiting caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic pathways. Therefore, allicin may be useful in preventing oto-vestibulotoxicity mediated by cisplatin. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  14. 78 FR 2436 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Illinois State Museum, Springfield, IL

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-11

    ... shared group identity with all of the Chiwere-Winnebago speaking tribes (i.e. Ho-Chunk, Iowa, Otoe... relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin... of the Remains In September 2011, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual were...

  15. 37. NORTH TO BINS ALONG NORTH WALL OF FACTORY BUILDING ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    37. NORTH TO BINS ALONG NORTH WALL OF FACTORY BUILDING WHICH REMAIN FILLED WITH NEW OLD STOCK AND USED PARTS FOR ELI WINDMILLS. THE ROPE AT THE LOWER FOREGROUND WAS USED IN ERECTING WINDMILLS AND TOWERS FOR CUSTOMERS. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  16. A Crew Exposure Study. Volume I. Offshore.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-03-15

    in Percutaneous Penetra- tion in Man - Pesticides ," Archives of Environmental Health, Vol. 23, pp 208-211, 1971. 20. Bartek, M. J., et al., "Skin...OTO FI RCABNEISOS UT iA- 0 - . . -- • G. DISCHARGING OF HAZARDOUS WASTES FROM PLATFORMS 1. Middleditch, Brian S., Basile , Brenda, and Chang, Evelyn S

  17. The Segments and Tones of Soyaltepec Mazatec

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Beal, Heather D.

    2011-01-01

    This dissertation describes the segments and tones of Soyaltepec Mazatec, an Oto-Manguean language of southern Mexico virtually undescribed in the literature with the exception of Pike (1956). The preliminary work done by Pike and subsequent analyses by Goldsmith (1990) and Pizer (1994) are reviewed giving evidence that the system is complex and…

  18. CNES developments of key detection technologies to prepare next generation focal planes for high resolution Earth observation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Materne, A.; Virmontois, C.; Bardoux, A.; Gimenez, T.; Biffi, J. M.; Laubier, D.; Delvit, J. M.

    2014-10-01

    This paper describes the activities managed by CNES (French National Space Agency) for the development of focal planes for next generation of optical high resolution Earth observation satellites, in low sun-synchronous orbit. CNES has launched a new programme named OTOS, to increase the level of readiness (TRL) of several key technologies for high resolution Earth observation satellites. The OTOS programme includes several actions in the field of detection and focal planes: a new generation of CCD and CMOS image sensors, updated analog front-end electronics and analog-to-digital converters. The main features that must be achieved on focal planes for high resolution Earth Observation, are: readout speed, signal to noise ratio at low light level, anti-blooming efficiency, geometric stability, MTF and line of sight stability. The next steps targeted are presented in comparison to the in-flight measured performance of the PLEIADES satellites launched in 2011 and 2012. The high resolution panchromatic channel is still based upon Backside illuminated (BSI) CCDs operated in Time Delay Integration (TDI). For the multispectral channel, the main evolution consists in moving to TDI mode and the competition is open with the concurrent development of a CCD solution versus a CMOS solution. New CCDs will be based upon several process blocks under evaluation on the e2v 6 inches BSI wafer manufacturing line. The OTOS strategy for CMOS image sensors investigates on one hand custom TDI solutions within a similar approach to CCDs, and, on the other hand, investigates ways to take advantage of existing performance of off-the-shelf 2D arrays CMOS image sensors. We present the characterization results obtained from test vehicles designed for custom TDI operation on several CIS technologies and results obtained before and after radiation on snapshot 2D arrays from the CMOSIS CMV family.

  19. 47. DETAIL OF ORIGINAL VANE ASSEMBLY AND TWO WHEEL SECTIONS ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    47. DETAIL OF ORIGINAL VANE ASSEMBLY AND TWO WHEEL SECTIONS FROM ELI WINDMILLS, THE VANE SHEET BEARING STENCILED PAINTED INSCRIPTION, 'KREGEL WINDMILL CO. ELI NEBRASKA CITY, NEB.' VISIBLE IN THE IMAGE ARE BOTH SIDES OF THE WHEEL SECTIONS, SHOWING THE METHOD OF BLADE MOUNTING FOR ELI WINDMILLS. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  20. Therapeutic methods for psychosomatic disorders in oto-rhino-laryngology

    PubMed Central

    Decot, Elke

    2005-01-01

    Psychosomatic disorders such as tinnitus, acute hearing loss, attacks of dizziness, globus syndrome, dysphagias, voice disorders and many more are quite common in ear, nose and throat medicine. They are mostly caused by a number of factors, although the bio-psycho-social model does play an important role. Initial contact with a psychosomatically ill patient and compiling a first case history are important steps to psychosomatic oriented therapy. This contribution will sum up the most important otorhinolaryngological diseases with psychosomatic comorbidity and scientifically evaluated methods of treatment. The contribution will also introduce the reader to important psychosomatic treatment methods from psychotherapeutic relaxation techniques to talk therapy. To conclude, the contribution will discuss the criteria for outpatient as well as inpatient treatment and look at the advantages of psychosomatically oriented therapy, both for the patient and for the doctor. PMID:22073069

  1. A nationwide survey of NDMA in raw and drinking water in Japan.

    PubMed

    Asami, Mari; Oya, Masami; Kosaka, Koji

    2009-05-15

    A nationwide survey of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in both raw and finished water samples from drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in Japan was conducted. NDMA was analyzed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). NDMA was detected in 15 of 31 raw water samples collected in the summer at concentrations up to 2.6 ng/L, and in 9 of 28 raw water samples collected in winter at concentrations up to 4.3 ng/L. The NDMA concentrations were higher in raw water samples collected from treatment plants with catchment areas that have high population densities. The NDMA concentrations were higher in river water samples collected from the east and west of Japan than in those collected from other areas. NDMA was detected in 10 of 31 finished samples collected in summer at reduced concentrations of up to 2.2 ng/L, while 5 of 28 finished samples collected in winter showed NDMA concentrations up to 10 ng/L. The highest NDMA levels were detected in finished water samples collected from the Yodo River basin DWTP, which uses ozonation. Furthermore, evaluation of the process water produced at six advanced water treatment plants was conducted. Influent from the Yodo River indicated that the NDMA concentration increased during ozonation to as high as 20 ng/L, and then decreased with subsequent biological activated carbon treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide evaluation of NDMA concentrations in water conducted in Japan to date.

  2. Exhibition of Stochastic Resonance in Vestibular Perception

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Galvan-Garza, R. C.; Clark, T. K.; Merfeld, D. M.; Bloomberg, J. J.; Oman, C. M.; Mulavara, A. P.

    2016-01-01

    Astronauts experience sensorimotor changes during spaceflight, particularly during G-transitions. Post flight sensorimotor changes include spatial disorientation, along with postural and gait instability that may degrade operational capabilities of the astronauts and endanger the crew. A sensorimotor countermeasure that mitigates these effects would improve crewmember safety and decrease risk. The goal of this research is to investigate the potential use of stochastic vestibular stimulation (SVS) as a technology to improve sensorimotor function. We hypothesize that low levels of SVS will improve sensorimotor perception through the phenomenon of stochastic resonance (SR), when the response of a nonlinear system to a weak input signal is enhanced by the application of a particular nonzero level of noise. This study aims to advance the development of SVS as a potential countermeasure by 1) demonstrating the exhibition of stochastic resonance in vestibular perception, a vital component of sensorimotor function, 2) investigating the repeatability of SR exhibition, and 3) determining the relative contribution of the semicircular canals (SCC) and otolith (OTO) organs to vestibular perceptual SR. A constant current stimulator was used to deliver bilateral bipolar SVS via electrodes placed on each of the mastoid processes, as previously done. Vestibular perceptual motion recognition thresholds were measured using a 6-degree of freedom MOOG platform and a 150 trial 3-down/1-up staircase procedure. In the first test session, we measured vestibular perceptual thresholds in upright roll-tilt at 0.2 Hz (SCC+OTO) with SVS ranging from 0-700 µA. In a second test session a week later, we re-measured roll-tilt thresholds with 0, optimal (from test session 1), and 1500 µA SVS levels. A subset of these subjects, plus naive subjects, participated in two additional test sessions in which we measured thresholds in supine roll-rotation at 0.2 Hz (SCC) and upright y-translation at 1 Hz

  3. Global Arms Trade: Commerce in Advanced Military Technology and Weapons,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-06-01

    executive branch interactions over secu- rity assistance and conventional arms control is presented. Those already familiar with this area may...Aerospatiale MBB OTO Melara Matra Thomson-CSF Thyssen Contraves Oerlikon Plessey British Manufacturing & Research British Aerospace...buying 50 Shaldags to use in its war on drugs . Toward the close of the decade Israel Shipyards’ financial situation stabilized thanks to extensive cost

  4. 45. WEST TO CIRCA 1900 SHEET METAL SHEAR, THE MACHINE ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    45. WEST TO CIRCA 1900 SHEET METAL SHEAR, THE MACHINE USED TO CUT SHEET METAL USED IN WINDMILLS AND WATER TANKS. IN THE BACKGROUND IS THE INTERIOR WEST WALL OF THE FACTORY, ITS SHELVES BEARING WATER PUMPS, PARTS FOR PUMPS AND WATER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT, AND NEW OLD STOCK MERCHANDISE. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  5. Comparison of tire and road wear particle concentrations in sediment for watersheds in France, Japan, and the United States by quantitative pyrolysis GC/MS analysis.

    PubMed

    Unice, Ken M; Kreider, Marisa L; Panko, Julie M

    2013-08-06

    Impacts of surface runoff to aquatic species are an ongoing area of concern. Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) are a constituent of runoff, and determining accurate TRWP concentrations in sediment is necessary in order to evaluate the likelihood that these particles present a risk to the aquatic environment. TRWP consist of approximately equal mass fractions of tire tread rubber and road surface mineral encrustations. Sampling was completed in the Seine (France), Chesapeake (U.S.), and Yodo-Lake Biwa (Japan) watersheds to quantify TRWP in the surficial sediment of watersheds characterized by a wide diversity of population densities and land uses. By using a novel quantitative pyrolysis-GC/MS analysis for rubber polymer, we detected TRWP in 97% of the 149 sediment samples collected. The mean concentrations of TRWP were 4500 (n = 49; range = 62-11 600), 910 (n = 50; range = 50-4400) and 770 (n = 50; range = 26-4600) μg/g d.w. for the characterized portions of the Seine, Chesapeake and Yodo-Lake Biwa watersheds, respectively. A subset of samples from the watersheds (n = 45) was pooled to evaluate TRWP metals, grain size and organic carbon correlations by principal components analysis (PCA), which indicated that four components explain 90% of the variance. The PCA components appeared to correspond to (1) metal alloys possibly from brake wear (primarily Cu, Pb, Zn), (2) crustal minerals (primarily Al, V, Fe), (3) metals mediated by microbial immobilization (primarily Co, Mn, Fe with TOC), and (4) TRWP and other particulate deposition (primarily TRWP with grain size and TOC). This study should provide useful information for assessing potential aquatic effects related to tire service life.

  6. Alerta De Insecto-Escarabajo asiatico de antenoas largas

    Treesearch

    Marco A. Fonseca; Ronald F. Billings

    Hay probablemente una sola generacion de ALB por a'o. Los escarabajos adultos por lo general estan presentes de mayo a octubre, pero se pueden encontrar mas temprano en la primavera o mas tarde en el oto?o si las temperaturas son calidas. Los adultos por lo general permanecen en el arbol del que emergieron o se pueden desplazar por distancias cortas hacia un...

  7. Cri du Chat Syndrome and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Common Genetic Cause on Chromosome 5p

    PubMed Central

    Shapiro, Adam J.; Weck, Karen E.; Chao, Kay C.; Rosenfeld, Margaret; Nygren, Anders O. H.; Knowles, Michael R.; Leigh, Margaret W.; Zariwala, Maimoona A.

    2014-01-01

    Cri du chat syndrome (CdCS) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are rare diseases that present with frequent respiratory symptoms. PCD can be caused by hemizygous DNAH5 mutation in combination with a 5p segmental deletion attributable to CdCS on the opposite chromosome. Chronic oto-sino-pulmonary symptoms or organ laterality defects in CdCS should prompt an evaluation for PCD. PMID:25066065

  8. 50. SOUTHEAST TO SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WELLSERVICE SHED ADDITION ON ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    50. SOUTHEAST TO SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WELL-SERVICE SHED ADDITION ON REAR OF FACTORY BUILDING. HANGING FROM AND LEANING AGAINST THE WALL ARE TOOLS USED IN WATER WELL SERVICE, SUCH AS BAILER, CHAINS, WRENCHES, PULLEYS, ROPE, SAFETY BELT, CHAIN TONGS, AND LEATHER SEALS FOR PISTON DISPLACEMENT PUMPS. CLEARLY VISIBLE ON RAFTERS IS HISTORIC ELECTRICAL WIRING. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  9. [Informing patients in otorhinolaryngology: legislation, jurisprudence, and incidences in practice].

    PubMed

    Manaouil, C; Strunski, V

    2007-03-01

    The law of March 4, 2002 is the pedestal of legal responsibility in medicine in France. This law resumed data stemming from the jurisprudence but innovated also by establishing for example the "confidant" person and the direct access of the patient to his medical file. This law established or strengthened the rights of the patients: respect for dignity, respect for refusal of care, right to end-of-life care, right to adequate analgesia, right to the respect for professional confidentiality but also right to the information. The obligation of information is justified by the respect for the autonomy of the patient and by the necessity of obtaining a free and lit assent. Information is not only a preliminary to the medical act; it has to be done before, during and after. In case of complication, it will be reinforced. The information has to deal with the necessity of the medical act, the expected benefits, the possible urgency, the consequences, the normally predictable frequent or severe complications, the alternatives and the predictable consequences in case of refusal. The oto-laryngologist can refuse to perform an act prescribed by a colleague that he considers useless or too dangerous as compared to the benefit expected. The surgical oto-laryngologist in private practice has to prove that he informed his patient and it is his (compulsory) malpractice insurance that financially compensates the patient in case insufficient information leads the patient to lose his or her chance to refuse treatment. If the surgical oto-laryngologist practices in a public hospital, the establishment has to bring this proof of sufficient information, and in case of litigation, the hospital must provide compensation. One will note that the more difficult it is to justify the medical act, the less the judges tend to tolerate insufficient patient information. If the indication of the act is indisputable from a medical standpoint, then legally there is usually no ground for litigation due

  10. [Syndromic hereditary deafness. Usher's syndrome. Oto-neurologic and genetic factors].

    PubMed

    Espinós, C; Pérez-Garrigues, H; Beneyto, M; Vilela, C; Rodrigo, O; Nájera, C

    1999-01-01

    Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder characterized by congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and progressive loss of vision due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The prevalence of Usher syndrome is estimated to be 3-4.4 cases per 100.000 people. Several clinical types have been distinguished by age at onset, rate of progression, and severity of symptoms. Type I (USH1) is characterized by a congenital, severe-to-profound deafness and absent vestibular function. Type II (USH2) shows a congenital and moderate-to-severe hearing loss and normal vestibular response. It is also suggested a third type (USH3), clinically similar to USH2, but with progressive hearing loss. Genetic heterogeneity of USH is quite extensive. Up to now, seven different loci responsible for the defect are known: 14q, 11q, 11p, 10q and 21q for USH1; 1q for USH2 and 3q for USH3. Moreover, there are USH1 and USH2 families that fail to show linkage to these candidate regions demonstrating that should exist other loci causing USH, although their ubications are unknown. To date, only two genes involved in the USH pathology are known, although together they are responsibles of about the 80% of total USH cases: myosin VIIA, an unconventional myosin, involved in the USH1b phenotype and a protein similar to the laminina, responsible for the USH2a phenotype.

  11. 23. NORTHEAST TO CIRCA 1875 POWER SHEAR, PUNCH, AND RIVETING ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    23. NORTHEAST TO CIRCA 1875 POWER SHEAR, PUNCH, AND RIVETING MACHINE SET UP TO DEMONSTRATE USE IN RIVETING COMPONENTS OF WHEEL ARMS FOR ELI WINDMILLS. HISTORIC DEBRIS FROM PUNCHING WORK IS VISIBLE BENEATH THE MACHINE IN THE OPERATOR'S PIT.' ON THE LEFT IS A U-SHAPED LOVEJOY FIELD PUNCH FOR USE IN INSTALLING STEEL WINDMILL/TOWER COMPONENTS. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  12. Cri du chat syndrome and primary ciliary dyskinesia: a common genetic cause on chromosome 5p.

    PubMed

    Shapiro, Adam J; Weck, Karen E; Chao, Kay C; Rosenfeld, Margaret; Nygren, Anders O H; Knowles, Michael R; Leigh, Margaret W; Zariwala, Maimoona A

    2014-10-01

    Cri du chat syndrome (CdCS) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are rare diseases that present with frequent respiratory symptoms. PCD can be caused by hemizygous DNAH5 mutation in combination with a 5p segmental deletion attributable to CdCS on the opposite chromosome. Chronic oto-sino-pulmonary symptoms or organ laterality defects in CdCS should prompt an evaluation for PCD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Active Authentication: Beyond Passwords

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-11-18

    103m 26-Jul-07 208k 27-Dec-10 4.9m Source: www.privacyrights.org/data-breach Hackers broke into a Gannett Co database containing personal...Pattern • Knuckle Pattern • Lip Pattern • Nail bed Pattern • Nose Pattern • Oto-acoustic Emissions • Palmprint • Retina Pattern • Skin... Palmprint Knuckle Pattern Pulse Electrocardiogram Electroencephalogram Face Geometry Lip Pattern Blue may be suitable for continuous monitoring

  14. 51. WEST ACROSS CLUTTER TO WEST WALL OF WELLSERVICE SHED ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    51. WEST ACROSS CLUTTER TO WEST WALL OF WELL-SERVICE SHED ADDITION ON REAR OF FACTORY BUILDING. AT LOWER RIGHT FOREGROUND IS 1960S PICKUP TRUCK, THE LAST MOTOR VEHICLE USED IN WELL SERVICE BY THE KREGEL WINDMILL COMPANY. MOST OF THE OBJECTS VISIBLE IN THIS VIEW ARE CLUTTER NOT RELATED TO THE WELL SERVICE BUSINESS. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  15. Collective Properties of Neural Systems and Their Relation to Other Physical Models

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-08-05

    been computed explicitly. This has been achieved algorithmically by utilizing methods introduced earlier. It should be emphasized that in addition to...Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences. K’oto Universin. K roto 606. .apan and E. BAROUCH Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciene. Clarkon...Mathematics and Computer Science, Clarkson University, where this work was collaborated. References I. IBabu, S. V. and Barouch E., An exact soIlution for the

  16. One-to-one midwifery.

    PubMed

    Farmer, E; Chipperfield, C

    1996-04-01

    Key elements: Problems of One-to-One midwifery developing a caseload relationships with other staff--perceived 'elitism' boundaries of care for high-risk mothers long hours isolation women's unrealistic expectations of midwife, including overdependence Solutions maintain dialogue with other professionals hospital midwives invited to join OTO midwives on community visits clarify roles and responsibilities direct referral to on-call registrar partnerships with teams peer support weekly group meeting empowering women, reducing overdependence

  17. Office-based insertion of pressure equalization tubes: the role of laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration.

    PubMed

    Brodsky, L; Brookhauser, P; Chait, D; Reilly, J; Deutsch, E; Cook, S; Waner, M; Shaha, S; Nauenberg, E

    1999-12-01

    To describe the role of the hand-held otoscope combined with a flashscanner CO2 laser, OtoLAM (ESC/Sharplan, Yokneam, Israel), for pressure equalization tube (PET) insertion in an office setting. Prospective, multisite, clinical cohort trial (Institutional Review Board approved; informed consent) in the setting of pediatric otolaryngology outpatient departments at four tertiary care children's hospitals. Selected for the study were 54 patients (96 ears), ages 6 months to 23 years, who met standard indications for PET insertion using cold-knife myringotomy and tube insertion under general anesthesia. PETs were indicated for recurrent otitis media, chronic otitis media with effusion, and eustachian tube dysfunction-all unresponsive to medical therapy. Topical anesthesia was achieved with iontophoresis (n = 1) or topical anesthesia: 8% tetracaine on an Otowick (Xomed Surgical Products, Jacksonville, FL, catalogue No. 400141) against the tympanic membrane for 45 to 180 minutes (n = 53). Laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration was performed with the OtoLAM set at single pulse, 2.0- to 2.6-mm spot size, and between 3 and 18 W. Insertion of grommets was accomplished using the otomicroscope and an "alligator" microforceps. Restraints with papoose were used in 79% of children with a mean age of 34.4 months (SD = 60.9 mo). Clinical, parent/patient, and physician satisfaction and comparative cost impact outcomes are described. All ears but three (3%) underwent successful placement of a PET. Pain was described as "absent" in 39%, "present but tolerable" in 30%, and "severe" in 30% of children at the time of procedure; 5 minutes after the procedure pain was described as "absent" in 75%, "present but tolerable" in 22%, and "severe" in 3%. Tube plugging (3 of 74 available ears; 4%) or persistent otorrhea (1 of 74 ears; 1.4%) occurred infrequently at the 1-month follow-up. Before PET insertion, hearing loss was noted in 66% of cases (mild, 38%; moderate, 22%; and severe, 6

  18. Chemiluminescence of Organic Compounds.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-04-07

    of organic reaction chemiluminescence (Rauiht, 197) ; Hastings and Wilson, 1976 ; Gundermann, 1974 ; White et al., 1974 ; McCapra, 1973 ; .oto, 1979...1977; Wilson, T., 1976; Turro et al., JI U4a; Mumtord, 1915), the chemiluminescence -4- of hydrazides (Roswell and White , 1978 ; White and Roswell...mechanical Iv exc, it cd . iii; q ie ed in a react inn, meaning energv is released in period ot t ime noi the *r?-!tcr of Ol I ess than thle t ime of a

  19. Critical Review and Technology Assessments, 󈨟-󈨠

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-09-01

    EUTELCIC ALLOY 3. Pages 406-409 890900 WATER SORPTION IN EPOXY THIN FILMS MCMASTER, M.G. UC, ,ERKELEY.CA) TRANSACTIONS. 89.22 SOANE, Di. ,EEEJHMT. Vol...NATION, 21 228-002 PENETRATION THROUGH PFA TUBING AND Vol. S, No. 2, Pags ANTISTATIC PFATUBING 22-28 THIS COLUMN FOCUSES ON A STUIDY OF PFA AND...ANTISTATIC WFA TURING (SUPPLIED BY GALnlEK CORPORATION. CHAS•K MN). THE A.NTISATIC PFA .MATERIAL USED HAS A SURFACE RESISTIVIrY OF lOTO THE ELEVENTH POWER -10

  20. 26. SOUTH TO CIRCA 1865 METALTURNING LATHE (POSSIBLY MADE BY ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    26. SOUTH TO CIRCA 1865 METAL-TURNING LATHE (POSSIBLY MADE BY AMES MFG. CO., CHICOPEE, MASS.) WITH PARTS/TOOL BINS ALONG EAST INTERIOR WALL OF FACTORY. BENEATH THE LATHE ON THE FLOOR IS A STACK OF AUTOMOBILE AXLES AS 'RAW MATERIAL' FOR FABRICATING REPAIR PARTS FOR PUMPS AND WATER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT. ON THE POST BEHIND THE MACHINE IS ONE OF THE HISTORIC ELECTRICAL FUSE/SWITCH BOXES FOR THE FACTORY. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  1. 9. NORTHEAST FROM SOUTH ENTRANCE ACROSS RECEIVING AREA OF FACTORY ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    9. NORTHEAST FROM SOUTH ENTRANCE ACROSS RECEIVING AREA OF FACTORY PAST THE GLASS-ENCLOSED OFFICE TOWARD SHOP AREA. BESIDE THE VERTICAL POST ROOF SUPPORT IN THE LEFT FOREGROUND IS A SCALE AND DRAFTING TABLE. BESIDE THE OFFICE WALL ON THE RIGHT IS A SMALL SHOP REPAIR BENCH, WHILE ABOVE THE OFFICE WINDOWS ARE BOXES OF COMPANY MANUSCRIPT BUSINESS RECORDS. THE WELDED METAL PIPE RACK IS A MODERN INTRUSION. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  2. 13. SOUTHEAST TO SUCKER ROD WORK BENCH AND WOODEN SUCKER ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    13. SOUTHEAST TO SUCKER ROD WORK BENCH AND WOODEN SUCKER ROD STORAGE RACKS ALONG EAST WALL OF FACTORY INTERIOR. AT THIS BENCH WORKERS RIVETED THREADED WROUGHT IRON CONNECTORS TO THE ENDS OF 20' LONG WOODEN SUCKER RODS (THE RODS WHICH EXTEND DOWNWARD IN THE WELL FROM THE GROUND SURFACE TO PISTON DISPLACEMENT PUMPS WHICH ACTUALLY ELEVATE WATER TO THE SURFACE). ROZNOR HEATER AT THE FAR RIGHT WAS ADDED CIRCA 1960. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  3. Reconstruction of Mammary Gland Structure Using Three-Dimensional Computer-Based Microscopy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-08-01

    Segmentation of Mammary Gland Ductal Structure Using Geometric Methods. P.l.’s Malladi R . and Ortiz de Solorzano C. Submitted to the LBNL Laboratory...mammary gland biology". Fernandez-Gonzalez, R ., Jones A., Garcia-Rodriguez E., Knowles D., Sudar D. Ortiz de Solorzano, C. Proceedings of Microscopy...the text. 25 3DRcn4rclr FieC4 eto m oosOtosMCUCP suto 5 2 3p4 eto 6 ’lw r 26o W ~Fl. Case Section Area Tools Opt~ons Micoscope

  4. 21. SOUTH THROUGH FACTORY FROM NEAR NORTHEAST CORNER TOWARD SOUTH ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    21. SOUTH THROUGH FACTORY FROM NEAR NORTHEAST CORNER TOWARD SOUTH FRONT OF BUILDING. VISIBLE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ARE CIRCA 1865 METAL-TURNING LATHE; CIRCA 1875 POWER SHEAR, PUNCH, AND RIVETING MACHINE (WITH FLOORING RAISED TO SHOW OPERATOR'S 'PIT'); LINE SHAFT WITH PULLEYS AND BELTS FOR OPERATING MACHINERY; PERMANENT WOODEN LADDER TO SKYLIGHT AREA (LOCATION OF CIRCA 1920 ELECTRIC MOTOR WHICH POWERED LINE SHAFT); AND BUFFALO FORGE CO. HAND SHEAR FOR ANGLE STEEL. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  5. The DREO (Defence Research Establishment Ottawa) Inertial Navigation Laboratory: Development and Test Capabilities,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-06-01

    TABLE AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRONICS The laboratory motion table is a Contraves -Goerz Corporation Model 57CD, two-axis table controlled by a 30H MPACS...Figure 2-2 Contraves -Goerz 57CD/30H 2-axis Motion Table rr r Vr 14 Ow6 7.a Figr 2- Motion Tal oto lcrnc +,4W Figure 2-4 Table Top Breakouts and Fixturing...noted that both power supplies are synch loss and line power protected preventing overshoot during power supply recovery after failure. 2.4

  6. 29. SOUTHEAST ACROSS BLACKSMITH SHOP AREA TOWARD TWO CIRCA 1900 ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    29. SOUTHEAST ACROSS BLACKSMITH SHOP AREA TOWARD TWO CIRCA 1900 DRILL PRESSES ALONG THE EAST INTERIOR WALL AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE FACTORY BUILDING. THE HOODED FORGE IS VISIBLE IN THE LEFT FOREGROUND, SHOWING LADLES USED FOR POURING BABBITT BEARINGS. MOUNTED ON THE WORK BENCH IS THE MAIN CASTING FROM AN ELI WINDMILL, USED AS A JIG TO SUPPORT PARTS DURING THE BABBITT BEARING POURING OPERATION. THE WALL ABOVE THE WORKBENCH SHOWS THE BOARDED-UP OPENING FOR A FORMER WINDOW. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  7. Wind and Wave Summaries for Selected U.S. Coast Guard Operating Areas. Addendum,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-05-01

    tD t L. 2...s񓑷 -- -. . .. --+ -..- - ’ -- td --’+s :95-- Z24 .32 1 3 .11 0.is 14$ is4 86 itt o -- "-- .’ to _ Is h 26r s1 L49.,M 5p434~t 0 1 ~ 201S94I...4-’ 4-. - - ,o; - ~ - S$ - 50 P-so • 0 .𔃺, l.2 .. ... ... ..0Tho𔃾.. 5_’.. W- td Sp.ed oto tBo 6t!!gO 9 46012 0. " o . No Occurrences rr 04 01 1.0

  8. The Development of Performance-Based Auditory Aviation Classification Standards in the U.S. Navy,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-12-01

    Gerontology, Vol. 24(2), pp. 189-192, 1969. 10. Palva, A. and Jokinen, K., ’The Role of the Binaural Test in Filtered Speech Audiometry." Acta Oto...BEAD BEAT BEAN REEL HEEL EEL PAVE PALE PAY WIG RIG FIG GALE MALE TALE PAGE PANE PACE PIG BIG DIG PALE SALE BALE DID DIN DIP SAP SAG SAD SIN WIN...SEEN SEED SEEK CAME GAME SAME NEAT BEAT SEAT SEEM SEETHE SEEP PAD PASS PATH PARK MARK HARK SIP RIP TIP PACK PAN PAT DARK LARK BARK LIP HIP DIP LED

  9. 16. SOUTH TO VIEW OF CIRCA 1900 MICHIGAN MACHINERY MFG. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    16. SOUTH TO VIEW OF CIRCA 1900 MICHIGAN MACHINERY MFG. CO. PUNCH PRESS WITH WOOD-BURNING HEATING STOVE LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE FACTORY BUILDING. BESIDE THE HEATING STOVE, POINTING TOWARD THE PUNCH PRESS, IS A JIG USED TO POSITION ANGLE STEEL COMPONENTS OF STEEL WINDMILL TOWER LEGS FOR PUNCHING BOLT HOLES. THE SUPPORT FOR THE BRICK FLUE OF THE HEATING STOVE IS CONSTRUCTED FROM SALVAGED GALVANIZED ANGLE STEEL OF THE TYPE USED IN FABRICATING WINDMILL TOWERS MANUFACTURED IN THE FACTORY. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  10. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome plus; a contiguous gene constellation of congenital anomalies?

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kelly, T.E.

    1994-09-01

    A term female infant was referred to the University Hospital because of respiratory distress secondary to bilateral choanal stenosis. Her examination revealed bilateral pre-auricular pits, branchial fistulae, cupped shaped ears, and bilateral athelia. She failed ABR screening; her creatinine was elevated to 1.5 mgs% and renal ultra-sonography showed reduced kidney size bilaterally. She was the product of her mother`s third pregnancy. The first produced a now normal 5 year old son. The second pregnancy was complicated by oligohydramnios and resulted in a premature delivery at 27 weeks gestation. The infant expired secondary to pulmonary hypoplasia. The mother had bilateral neurosensorymore » deafness, pre-auricular pits, cupped shaped ears, lacrimal stenois and bilateral athelia. She wore dentures having earlier been diagnosed with dentogeneis imperfecta. She was shorter than her three normal sisters and had experienced academic problems throughout her school years. The maternal grandfather had an adult onset neurosensory hearing loss, but he and the maternal grandmother exhibited no other features of the BOR syndrome. Althelia was present only in the mother and daughter. The mother clearly has BOR syndrome transmitted to one, and possibly two, of her three offspring. The additional features of athelia, choanal stenosis and dentogenesis imperfecta are thought to represent additional autosomal dominant traits. Greenberg described an infant with athelia and choanal atresia. By family linkage studies, the BOR syndrome has been mapped to 8q13-21 with no recombination observed with loci D8S530 and D8S279. Given a normal prophase karyotype in the proband, it is speculated that a sub-microscopic deletion at 8q13-21 is the likely basis for the constellation of birth defects seen in this mother and daughter. Analysis of D8S530 and D8S279 is currently underway in this family.« less

  11. Complex Neurological and Oto-Neurological Remote Care: From Space Station to Clinic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marchbanks, Robert J.; Good, Edward F.

    2013-02-01

    The main aim of this paper is to highlight the synergy between the remote care requirements for NASA and community/rural based medicine. It demonstrates the appropriateness of applying similar health-care models for space-based medicine, as for ‘2020 vision’ community-based medicine, and the common use of screening devices with telemedicine capabilities. There is a requirement to diagnose and manage complex cases remotely and the need to empower on-site medically trained personnel to undertake the physiological measurements and decision-making. For space exploration at greater distances, the telemedicine systems will require additional sophistication to support autonomous crew medical diagnosis and interventions.1 Non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement is a priority both for terrestrial and space medicine. Arguably it is the most important neurological physiological measurement yet to be mastered and to be routinely used.

  12. Active optics for next generation space telescopes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Costes, V.; Perret, L.; Laubier, D.; Delvit, J. M.; Imbert, C.; Cadiergues, L.; Faure, C.

    2017-09-01

    High resolution observation systems need bigger and bigger telescopes. The design of such telescopes is a key issue for the whole satellite. In order to improve the imaging resolution with minimum impact on the satellite, a big effort must be made to improve the telescope compactness. Compactness is also important for the agility of the satellite and for the size and cost of the launcher. This paper shows how compact a high resolution telescope can be. A diffraction limited telescope can be less than ten times shorter than its focal length. But the compactness impacts drastically the opto-mechanical sensitivity and the optical performances. Typically, a gain of a factor of 2 leads to a mechanical tolerance budget 6 times more difficult. The need to implement active optics for positioning requirements raises very quickly. Moreover, the capability to compensate shape defaults of the primary mirror is the way to simplify the mirror manufacture, to mitigate the development risks and to minimize the cost. The larger the primary mirror is, the more interesting it is to implement active optics for shape compensations. CNES is preparing next generation of earth observation satellite in the frame of OTOS (Observation de la Terre Optique Super-Résolue; High resolution earth observing optical system). OTOS is a technology program. In particular, optical technological developments and breadboards dedicated to active optics are on-going. The aim is to achieve TRL 5 to TRL6 for these new technologies and to validate the global performances of such an active telescope.

  13. Automated classification of neurological disorders of gait using spatio-temporal gait parameters.

    PubMed

    Pradhan, Cauchy; Wuehr, Max; Akrami, Farhoud; Neuhaeusser, Maximilian; Huth, Sabrina; Brandt, Thomas; Jahn, Klaus; Schniepp, Roman

    2015-04-01

    Automated pattern recognition systems have been used for accurate identification of neurological conditions as well as the evaluation of the treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine the accuracy of diagnoses of (oto-)neurological gait disorders using different types of automated pattern recognition techniques. Clinically confirmed cases of phobic postural vertigo (N = 30), cerebellar ataxia (N = 30), progressive supranuclear palsy (N = 30), bilateral vestibulopathy (N = 30), as well as healthy subjects (N = 30) were recruited for the study. 8 measurements with 136 variables using a GAITRite(®) sensor carpet were obtained from each subject. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups (training cases and validation cases). Sensitivity and specificity of k-nearest neighbor (KNN), naive-bayes classifier (NB), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector machine (SVM) in classifying the validation cases were calculated. ANN and SVM had the highest overall sensitivity with 90.6% and 92.0% respectively, followed by NB (76.0%) and KNN (73.3%). SVM and ANN showed high false negative rates for bilateral vestibulopathy cases (20.0% and 26.0%); while KNN and NB had high false negative rates for progressive supranuclear palsy cases (76.7% and 40.0%). Automated pattern recognition systems are able to identify pathological gait patterns and establish clinical diagnosis with good accuracy. SVM and ANN in particular differentiate gait patterns of several distinct oto-neurological disorders of gait with high sensitivity and specificity compared to KNN and NB. Both SVM and ANN appear to be a reliable diagnostic and management tool for disorders of gait. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Using in situ hybridization and PFGE Southern hybridization to detect translocation breakpoints in a BOR/TRPS patient cell line

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gu, J.Z.; Sapru, M.; Smith, D.

    Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by ear malformations, cervical fistulae, hearing loss and renal abnormalities. We have integrated the Genethon YAC contig maps with additional markers in the chromosome 8q region genetically linked by a unique patient cell line. This cell line is from a patient who has both the branchio-oto-renal syndrome and tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS). High resolution cytogenetics demonstrated a direct insertion of materials from 8q13.3q21.13 to 8q24.11. TRPS has been previously linked to deletions involving 8q24.11-q24.13. The rearrangement in this patient suggests that TRPS results from loss of gene function due to insertion atmore » the 8q24.11 breakpoint and the possible location for the BOR gene is at either of the two breakpoints of 8q13.3 and 8q21.13. We have constructed cosmid contigs in 8q24.11. In situ hybridization with cosmids mapped to these locations as probes has helped to narrow down the breakpoints. Combinations of cosmids on either side or overlapping the 8q24.11 breakpoint show split signals on one chromosome 8q arm due to insertion of the materials from the proximal region. Cosmids mapped to the TRPS deletion region have been used to hybridize to pulsed field gel genomic blots of DNA from the patient cell line and detected rearranged genomic fragments. Both in situ hybridization and genomic PFGE Southern blot will be used to precisely locate the breakpoints.« less

  15. Dedicated training in adult education among otolaryngology faculty.

    PubMed

    McMains, Kevin C; Peel, Jennifer

    2014-12-01

    Most faculty members undergo ad hoc training in education. This survey was developed to assess the prevalence and type of dedicated training in education received by academic otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OTO-HNS) faculty in the United States. Survey. An 11-item survey was developed to assess the prevalence of dedicated instruction in education theory and practice, the types of instruction received, and the barriers to receiving instruction. The survey was sent to all OTO-HNS program directors for distribution among their respective faculty. A total of 216 responses were received. Seventy respondents (32.7%) serve as program director, associate program director, or assistant program director in their respective programs. Forty-six respondents (21.8%) had received dedicated training in education. Of the respondents who described the type of education training received, 48.7% participated in didactics/seminar, 35.9% in degree/certificate programs, 10.3% in multimodality training, and 5.1% online training. Among the barriers encountered to participation in instruction in education, time/productivity pressures was the most commonly cited reason (60.2%), followed by not knowing about the opportunity to receive training (36.4%), lack of departmental support (26.2%), lack of available training (22.3%), and the perception that such training would not be useful (7.8%). Presently, only a minority of surveyed academic otolaryngologists in the United States have received any dedicated instruction in the theory and practice of education. Personal, departmental, and institutional barriers exist in many practice environments that hinder otolaryngology faculty from participating in education training. N/A. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

  16. Stability and Control Analysis of V/STOL Type B Aircraft.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-03-31

    control deficiency is larger at higher angles of attack. For example at 100 kt (51 m/s), the maximum sideslip is re- duced 2 deg, or 13%, by increasing... DEFICIENCY AREA L O ESIRED ENVELOPEi ( JI~AX SI lO KTI REACTION\\ TTLJJETS I o-TO J %%PLUS AIlERONS)S, E3" :-o e- AILERONS 0 10 20 30 40 so so 70 80 go...DISCRETE-TIME OPTIMAL CONTROL LAW GAINS [(0-I)r1 [C1 atC 2 1 jAtK1 & tK2 1 H D P! CONTROL LAW IN INCREMENTAL FORM ERROR DYNAMICS: Ak = Aak - Cl( ak

  17. 36. SOUTHWEST TO BELTPOWERED CIRCA 1900 DROP HAMMER IN NORTHEASTERN ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    36. SOUTHWEST TO BELT-POWERED CIRCA 1900 DROP HAMMER IN NORTHEASTERN QUADRANT OF FACTORY OPPOSITE FROM THE BLACKSMITH SHOP AREA. THIS MACHINE WAS USED TO SHAPE THE STEEL VANE HINGE PART AFTER IT WAS HEATED IN THE FORGE IN THE ADJACENT BLACKSMITH SHOP AREA. USE OF THE ROTATING POWER OF THE PULLEY AT THE TO MADE LIFTING THE HAMMER COMPARATIVELY QUICK AND EASY. AROUND THE MACHINE ARE WHEEL PARTS FOR ELI WINDMILLS. AT THE LEFT FOREGROUND IS A CIRCA 1900 FOUR-SPINDLE PRODUCTION DRILL PRESS WHICH WAS RELOCATED TO THIS AREA APPARENTLY AFTER THE END OF WINDMILL MANUFACTURE. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  18. The role of random nanostructures for the omnidirectional anti-reflection properties of the glasswing butterfly.

    PubMed

    Siddique, Radwanul Hasan; Gomard, Guillaume; Hölscher, Hendrik

    2015-04-22

    The glasswing butterfly (Greta oto) has, as its name suggests, transparent wings with remarkable low haze and reflectance over the whole visible spectral range even for large view angles of 80°. This omnidirectional anti-reflection behaviour is caused by small nanopillars covering the transparent regions of its wings. In difference to other anti-reflection coatings found in nature, these pillars are irregularly arranged and feature a random height and width distribution. Here we simulate the optical properties with the effective medium theory and transfer matrix method and show that the random height distribution of pillars significantly reduces the reflection not only for normal incidence but also for high view angles.

  19. The role of random nanostructures for the omnidirectional anti-reflection properties of the glasswing butterfly

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siddique, Radwanul Hasan; Gomard, Guillaume; Hölscher, Hendrik

    2015-04-01

    The glasswing butterfly (Greta oto) has, as its name suggests, transparent wings with remarkable low haze and reflectance over the whole visible spectral range even for large view angles of 80°. This omnidirectional anti-reflection behaviour is caused by small nanopillars covering the transparent regions of its wings. In difference to other anti-reflection coatings found in nature, these pillars are irregularly arranged and feature a random height and width distribution. Here we simulate the optical properties with the effective medium theory and transfer matrix method and show that the random height distribution of pillars significantly reduces the reflection not only for normal incidence but also for high view angles.

  20. U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam Monthly Historical Summary for November 1969

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1970-01-01

    D & E) LIST V (A) LIST VI (A 2&2, DI, E & H14) I .-’-.5 S2.2 ŕ 7 - UNCLASSWIFIE•.-. .. •. ’• -o- --. * --" U.~~~~ S . NAALFOCE Vi~ri...Vi V ’ ’-* 0S a,- 0 - 00 - _ d 0 00El IAC~ CV V V . ~ El ( V ( V ~i 500 GO en I A- s ’ ~ S ~-. otoU - 1 (12 a (Vs Eli a ( V -mc PE 0 - *~~i ss .8 E8.Ela 0...Nov. 7. S E S - -3 No v . 4 D . SEA FLOAT - l14 Nov. :E. SEA

  1. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting (21st), Aquatic Plant Control Research Program Held in Mobile, Alabama on 17-21 November 1986

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-11-01

    triploid grass carl) (ca. 13 kg/ vegetated ha). A subsequent 123 50. 40 . \\A 30 B Figure 1. Percent composition of aquatic 0- \\macrophytes in Devils Lake...10 Tips (L&S)t KLB 38 2.50 1.74 0 to 7 Tips (I&S4 RRD 40 2.03 1.54 0Oto 6 Hydrillat Tips (L&S)t SQL 30 3.70 2.14 0 to 9 Tips (L&S4t KLB 32 4.60 1.98 0...perfoliatus P. tricarinatus I ercsm10 20 30 40 50 60 70 8 Number of individuals Figure 5. Bar graph depicting average number of eggs and adults of

  2. Trajectory Generation by Piecewise Spline Interpolation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-04-01

    Lx) -a 0 + atx + aAx + x (21)0 1 2 3 and the coefficients are obtained from Equation (20) as ao m fl (22)i al " fi, (23) S3(fi + I f ) 2fj + fj+ 1 (24...reference frame to the vehicle fixed frame is pTO’ 0TO’ OTO’ *TO where a if (gZv0 - A >- 0 aCI (64) - azif (gzv0- AzvO < 0 These rotations may be...velocity frame axes directions (velocity frame from the output frame) aO, al , a 2 , a 3 Coefficients of the piecewise cubic polynomials [B ] Tridiagonal

  3. Mutagenicity of adsorbates to a copper-phthalocyanine derivative recovered from municipal river water.

    PubMed

    Sayato, Y; Nakamuro, K; Ueno, H; Goto, R

    1990-12-01

    Blue cotton, bearing a covalently bound copper-phthalocyanine derivative capable of adsorbing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) over 3 rings, was applied to recover mutagens from the Katsura River which is a tributary of the Yodo River. The Ames Salmonella/microsome assay with TA98 and TA100 of the blue cotton concentrate recovered from the river water demonstrated indirect mutagenicity toward TA98. The subfractions separated by Sephadex G-25 gel chromatography also showed direct mutagenicity in strains YG1021 and YG1024, the nitroreductase- and O-acetyltransferase-overproducing derivatives of TA98; this activity was greatly increased by the addition of S9 mix, especially in YG1024. However, these subfractions were less mutagenic with TA98NR or TA98/1,8-DNP6, regardless of whether S9 mix was present or not. The behaviors of these mutagenic activities therefore suggested that frameshift mutagens of both directly mutagenic nitroarenes and indirectly mutagenic aminoarenes were present in the blue cotton concentrate from the river water.

  4. Respiratory manifestations in 38 patients with Alström syndrome.

    PubMed

    Boerwinkle, Caroline; Marshall, Jan D; Bryant, Joy; Gahl, William A; Olivier, Kenneth N; Gunay-Aygun, Meral

    2017-04-01

    Alström syndrome (AS) is a rare, multi-system condition characterized by retinal degeneration, sensorineural hearing loss, obesity, insulin-resistant diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, cardiomyopathy, hepatorenal disease, and recurrent respiratory infections. It belongs to a group of genetic disorders known as primary ciliopathies, which includes autosomal dominant and recessive polycystic kidney diseases, as well as Joubert and Bardet-Biedl syndromes. Prior studies have suggested phenotypic overlap between primary ciliopathies affecting the non-motile, sensory cilia, and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a motile ciliopathy characterized by respiratory tract disease. We describe the burden of oto-sino-pulmonary disease in 38 individuals with AS and examines the degree of clinical overlap between PCD and AS. Evaluation at the NIH Clinical Center included clinical examination, chest imaging, and clinical history surveys, as well as measurement of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) in nine patients. Recurrent otitis media was ubiquitous in the AS cohort (92%) with 50% requiring pressure equalization tube placement. A history of bronchitis/pneumonia and sinusitis was reported in 61% and 50% of individuals, respectively. PCD-characterizing symptoms (laterality defects, unexplained neonatal respiratory distress, year-round nasal congestion, and wet cough) were far less prevalent in the AS cohort compared to PCD, and the average nNO production in the AS cohort was 232 ± 57.1 nl/min compared to a cut-off of <77 nl/min for PCD. These data suggest that the oto-sino-respiratory complications in AS are prominent enough to warrant increased clinical attention, but significantly impaired respiratory cilia function as seen in PCD is unlikely in AS. (www.clinicaltrials.gov, trial NCT00068224) Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:487-493. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Inherited congenital bilateral atresia of the external auditory canal, congenital bilateral vertical talus and increased interocular distance.

    PubMed

    Rasmussen, N; Johnsen, N J; Thomsen, J

    1979-01-01

    Six out of twenty descendants of a reportedly affected grandfather have congenital bilateral symmetrical and isolated subtotal atresia of the external auditory canal. Four of the six affected descendants have bilateral foot anomalies--two affected cousins having congenital vertical talus. All of the three affected boys in the third generation have increased interocular distance. Short fifth fingers, bilateral single transverse palmar creases, pyloric stenosis and congenital exotropia were found infrequently and are considered coincidental features. Apart from the atresia, oto-rhinolaryngologic examination, mental function, dermatoglyphics, IgA, kidney function and heart function of the affected descendants were all normal. The karyotype of four affected descendants examined was normal. An autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expressivity is suggested.

  6. Informed consent in otolaryngologic surgery: case scenario from a nigerian specialist hospital.

    PubMed

    Afolabi, O A; Fadare, J O; Ajiboye, O T

    2014-01-01

    Informed consent is a foundational concept necessary for ethical conduct of clinical research and practice. It is a technical tool that shifts the autonomy to decide whether a medical procedure should be performed-from the doctor to the patient. However there is an ongoing discussion in bioethical circles on the level of comprehension of the informed consent process by the patients and research participants. We present this case vignette and the discussion afterwards to explore the question of to what extent a patient comprehends the information given to him/her before a surgical procedure is carried out. In other words, the question being asked here is how informed is informed consent in the context of oto-laryngological practice.

  7. An overview of hereditary hearing loss.

    PubMed

    Bayazit, Yildirim A; Yilmaz, Metin

    2006-01-01

    Understanding the genetic basis of hearing loss is important because almost 50% of profound hearing loss are caused by genetic factors and more than 120 independent genes have been identified. In this review, after a brief explanation of some genetic terms (allele, heterozygosis, homozygosis, polymorphism, genotype and phenotype), classification of genetic hearing loss (syndromic versus nonsyndromic, and recessive dominant, X-linked and mitochondrial) was performed. Some of the most common syndromes (Usher, Pendred, Jervell and Lange-Nielsen, Waardenburg, branchio-oto-renal, Stickler, Treacher Collins and Alport syndromes, biotinidase deficiency and Norrie disease) causing genetic hearing loss were also explained briefly. The genes involved in hearing loss and genetic heterogeneity were presented. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  8. Diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of primary ciliary dyskinesia: PCD foundation consensus recommendations based on state of the art review.

    PubMed

    Shapiro, Adam J; Zariwala, Maimoona A; Ferkol, Thomas; Davis, Stephanie D; Sagel, Scott D; Dell, Sharon D; Rosenfeld, Margaret; Olivier, Kenneth N; Milla, Carlos; Daniel, Sam J; Kimple, Adam J; Manion, Michele; Knowles, Michael R; Leigh, Margaret W

    2016-02-01

    Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous, rare lung disease resulting in chronic oto-sino-pulmonary disease in both children and adults. Many physicians incorrectly diagnose PCD or eliminate PCD from their differential diagnosis due to inexperience with diagnostic testing methods. Thus far, all therapies used for PCD are unproven through large clinical trials. This review article outlines consensus recommendations from PCD physicians in North America who have been engaged in a PCD centered research consortium for the last 10 years. These recommendations have been adopted by the governing board of the PCD Foundation to provide guidance for PCD clinical centers for diagnostic testing, monitoring, and appropriate short and long-term therapeutics in PCD patients. © 2015 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Training Extract Historian AFSC: 791X2.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-09-01

    AW-RI61 I"N TRINING EXTRACT HISTORIAN AFSC: 9X2(U) RIR FORCE 1/2OCCUPATIONAL NERSURENENT CENTER RANDOLPH RFI TX SEP 05 UNCLASSIFIED F/O 519 ML ILhE...99919 :~~00 @04 0 00 mOto IIP-M’ ~ 1 1 F PIA@. .0 at0 Noost.4. NO~ -N C .ON.* 4 44 C C -Na d 0 *M -ON FM Ř ’a. fn . 10 00*0c f. - - - F 2 a. 0 �...CP.N INNN &. 4 . W! I.i. ID w~* At. *a -D x: T T. 6, +4 ao 11U a4 l.Ot I I O-AI61 IN TRAINING EXTRACT HISTORIAN AFSC: M9UM AIR FORCE 12I OCCUPATIONAL

  10. Propagation of hybrid Devils Hole Pupfish × Ash Meadows Amargosa Pupfish

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Feuerbacher, Olin; Mapula, Justin A.; Bonar, Scott A.

    2015-01-01

    Recent censuses of Devils Hole Pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis revealed that fewer than 100 individuals currently remain in the wild. Captive propagation is among actions being considered to prevent their extinction, but no pure-strain Devils Hole Pupfish were available for broodstock. To help provide emergency information, we investigated techniques to propagate their most closely related relative, hybrid Devils Hole Pupfish C. diabolis× Ash Meadows Amargosa Pupfish C. nevadensis mionectes. We tested various temperatures and larval feeds with respect to egg production, larval survival, and growth. Larval survival and growth were similar from 24°C to 32°C and egg production peaked at static 28°C; however, reducing water temperatures to 23°C and then raising them to 28°C resulted in even higher production. Larvae fed infusoria, Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Chow (RGSM), or Zeigler larval diet (ZLD) had the highest survival (79.4, 71.6, and 73.4%, respectively), and those fed Otohime (OTO) had the lowest survival (60.8%), although OTO provided greatest (14 mm) 30-d growth. Supplementation of RGSM or ZLD with Artemia nauplii increased growth but decreased survival. Larval production was maximized by placing six spawning mops, constructed of yarn and tile, in each of four 437-L parental aquaria, stocked with 24 adult fish each (1:1 sex ratio) for 3 d, to attract adults and provide spawning substrate. A 30% water change conducted on the same day of mop placement lowered water temperature from 28°C to 23°C. Water temperature was raised back to 28°C over 48 h. After 3 d, mops were transferred to hatching aquaria that were held at 28°C and aerated until larval hatch. Although some differences likely exist in effective propagation techniques for hybrid and pure-strain Devils Hole Pupfish, these data help provide initial recommendations to aid recovery.

  11. Robust Flight Controllers.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-12-01

    C TO c:.’jrPTE --L773Z 1tNT - A P TO PICK( :T JTZCTLY3, 172. IF (PSG .ED* C 9) TN C17?6: CALL O’(T; ( PHIT , 37,GTD, OTO GCX, T1M, GCY, GCZ, OhlC...IRHN 16 IFLGCZzQ C 17610 ____CALL ’AT1(OTDBCYvXV0fn, ;s,~MC~)1762t CALL "AO01 11RPM, IFH, PHIT ,GCSTR,9CY ,CI) 0 17 64;- C SCYS’ PfiTdtOICTR3 1RFM X...C PHIC u( PHIT -!TO(GCSTR)(I-RKFSS(Hn)) 1RFM X IP� CALL nAT1(9CY,4FSSIrKFMIRPp4HM.6pCZ) 01777C C CZ PIT- ETDIGCST))RFSS IRFP X IRt4M C1778;’ ELSE 07g

  12. Indeterminate cell histiocytosis in a pediatric patient: successful treatment with thalidomide.

    PubMed

    Tóth, Béla; Katona, Mária; Hársing, Judit; Szepesi, Agota; Kárpáti, Sarolta

    2012-04-01

    The 15-year-old male patient presented several 2-6 mm large livid reddish-yellowish, shiny, compact papules on the head, trunk and extremities, which had developed within the last 4 months. Histology showed normal epidermis with dense dermal infiltrate of histiocytes accompanied by few eosinophils, Touton or foamy giant cells. The histiocytes were S100 positive, CD1a negative and did not contain Birbeck granules ultrastructurally. Chest X ray, EEG, skull MRI did not show pathology. Opthalmology, neurology, oto-rhino-laryngology did not reveal alterations. Based upon the clinical symptoms and the histopathology, the diagnosis of indeterminate cell histiocytosis was confirmed. Cryotherapy and cauterization did not stop the progression of the disease, however, under thalidomide treatment no new symptoms developed and the lesions healed with pigmentation.

  13. Robust Multivariable Controller Design via Implicit Model-Following Methods.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-12-01

    followers, such as: II-7 , Ai ".......... . - ,. * . . , -. ,., 4’ . L7 XJ •:-, - J - / ( -+(Y -m)-- ( _ym + UTUc-]dt (11-13) A design method based on...Im r4 aI AI wS I I C.) 0 N 0N ON0N% I4 A’. I 0L- t-00 o% 0 ON 000 LA0 Naj UzN W4 c * r- In Go .% m * m . \\ C-. 0 cm a 0 ’no L- 00 *- \\ 14 0 0 ’-C Go N...0 t’. ~ - V’’. LALA -f . ONZ LA 41 0 \\ NL 0n I a A A N aI ’ nN? Z . =. 4 1 -I -0 I. I %a .0 1 - .a to. ot .b t o ob oto ob o11 cc-. "-f cccX dc c t I

  14. Identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mutagenic adsorbates to a copper-phthalocyanine derivative recovered from municipal river water.

    PubMed

    Sayato, Y; Nakamuro, K; Ueno, H; Goto, R

    1993-08-01

    A study was made to identify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the mutagenic adsorbate to blue cotton recovered from the water of the Katsura River which is a tributary of the Yodo River, a typical municipal river. As blue cotton bears a covalently bound copper-phthalocyanine derivative which can adsorb PAHs over 3 rings, PAHs in the adsorbate were separated into 4 fractions (I-IV) by Sephadex LH-20 gel chromatography. Fractions III and IV showed high direct and indirect frameshift mutagenicity in strains YG1021 and YG1024, the nitroreductase- and O-acetyltransferase-overproducing derivatives of TA98, especially in YG1024 with S9 mix, whereas these fractions showed less mutagenicity in TA98NR or TA98/1,8-DNP6. These results suggest that mutagenic nitroarenes and aminoarenes are present in both fractions. The retention times of some peaks separated from both fractions using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector were identical with those of authentic PAHs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of some HPLC fractions demonstrated that anthraquinone, azulene derivative, quinoline derivative, chrysene and benzo[b]fluoranthene are probably contained in these fractions.

  15. 31. WEST TO PARTS AND TOOLS LOCATED DIRECTLY OPPOSITE FROM ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    31. WEST TO PARTS AND TOOLS LOCATED DIRECTLY OPPOSITE FROM THE BLACKSMITH SHOP AREA IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE FACTORY. ON THE FLOOR AT THE LEFT SIDE IS A MANUAL PIPE THREADER FOR LARGE-DIAMETER PIPE (AS DROP PIPE IN WELLS FOR WATER SYSTEMS). BENEATH THE BENCH ARE UNMACHINED NEW OLD STOCK MAIN CASTINGS FOR ELI WINDMILLS, TOGETHER WITH A USED MAIN SHAFT/WHEEL HUB/CRANK PLATE ASSEMBLY WITH 1920S-1930S OIL RESERVOIR FROM ELI WINDMILL. THE CIRCULAR CASTING WITH CRESCENT-SHAPED PATTERNS IS A PORTION OF THE CAM MECHANISM FROM A 'WESTERN GEARED GEARLESS' WINDMILL MADE BY THE WESTERN LAND ROLLER CO., HASTINGS, NEB. TO THE RIGHT ON THE BENCH IS A GEARED TIRE BENDER USED TO GIVE CURVATURE TO WHEEL RIMS OF ELI WINDMILLS. IN THE BACKGROUND ARE ... - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  16. Vegetable Contamination by the Fecal Bacteria of Poultry Manure: Case Study of Gardening Sites in Southern Benin

    PubMed Central

    Atidégla, Séraphin C.; Huat, Joël; Agbossou, Euloge K.; Saint-Macary, Hervé; Glèlè Kakai, Romain

    2016-01-01

    A study was conducted in southern Benin to assess the contamination of vegetables by fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and fecal streptococci as one consequence of the intensification of vegetable cropping through fertilization with poultry manure. For this purpose, on-farm trials were conducted in 2009 and 2010 at Yodo-Condji and Ayi-Guinnou with three replications and four fertilization treatments including poultry manure and three vegetable crops (leafy eggplant, tomato, and carrot). Sampling, laboratory analyses, and counts of fecal bacteria in the samples were performed in different cropping seasons. Whatever the fertilization treatment, the logs of mean fecal bacteria count per g of fresh vegetables were variable but higher than AFNOR criteria. The counts ranged from 8 to 10 fecal coliforms, from 5 to 8 fecal streptococci, and from 2 to 6 Escherichia coli, whereas AFNOR criteria are, respectively, 0, 1, and 0. The long traditional use of poultry manure and its use during the study helped obtain this high population of fecal pathogens. Results confirmed that the contamination of vegetables by fecal bacteria is mainly due to the use of poultry manure. The use of properly composted poultry manure with innovative cropping techniques should help reduce the number and incidence of pathogens. PMID:27069914

  17. Chaos and complexity by design

    DOE PAGES

    Roberts, Daniel A.; Yoshida, Beni

    2017-04-20

    We study the relationship between quantum chaos and pseudorandomness by developing probes of unitary design. A natural probe of randomness is the “frame poten-tial,” which is minimized by unitary k-designs and measures the 2-norm distance between the Haar random unitary ensemble and another ensemble. A natural probe of quantum chaos is out-of-time-order (OTO) four-point correlation functions. We also show that the norm squared of a generalization of out-of-time-order 2k-point correlators is proportional to the kth frame potential, providing a quantitative connection between chaos and pseudorandomness. In addition, we prove that these 2k-point correlators for Pauli operators completely determine the k-foldmore » channel of an ensemble of unitary operators. Finally, we use a counting argument to obtain a lower bound on the quantum circuit complexity in terms of the frame potential. This provides a direct link between chaos, complexity, and randomness.« less

  18. LATE CONSEQUENCES WITH SMALL RONTGEN DOSES IN IRRADIATED CHILDREN (TENTATIVE REPORT) (in German)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stasek, V.; Jakoubkova, J.; Brachfeld, K.

    The authors searched for late reactions of radiation in children and young people, between the ages of 2 months and 5 years, who had been radiated on account of nontumorous diseases in the region of the throat. Ten to 15 years after the radiation 52 children and young people were examined. The examinations were carried out from the standpoint of radiotherapy, oto-rhino-laryngology, x- ray diagnostics, and pediatrics. In not quite half of those examimed local changes were stated and considered as late radiation damages: In 11 of those examined were disturbances of endocrinal coordination. Its appearance is, in the asmore » yet small compilation, relatively high. Considering that the first observation of this kind is being dealt with, and that there are not sufficient objective criteria, the authors keep for themselves a final evaluation only after verification on a greater number of radiated children and a control group. (auth)« less

  19. Implementation of study results in guidelines and adherence to guidelines in clinical practice.

    PubMed

    Waldfahrer, Frank

    2016-01-01

    Guidelines were introduced in hospital- and practice-based otorhinolaryngology in the 1990ies, and have been undergoing further development ever since. There are currently 20 guidelines on file at the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. The society has cooperated in further 34 guidelines. The quality of the guidelines has been continuously improved by concrete specifications put forward by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e.V., AWMF). Since increasing digitalization has made access to scientific publications quicker and simpler, relevant study results can be incorporated in guidelines more easily today than in the analog world. S2e and S3 guidelines must be based on a formal literature search with subsequent evaluation of the evidence. The consensus procedure for S2k guidelines is also regulated. However, the implementation of guidelines in routine medical practice must still be considered inadequate, and there is still a considerable need for improvement in adherence to these guidelines.

  20. Transoral robotic surgery-assisted excision of a congenital cervical salivary duct fistula presenting as a branchial cleft fistula.

    PubMed

    Rassekh, Christopher H; Kazahaya, Ken; Livolsi, Virginia A; Loevner, Laurie A; Cowan, Andy T; Weinstein, Gregory S

    2016-02-01

    Congenital cervical salivary duct fistulae are rare entities and can mimic branchial cleft fistulae. Ectopic salivary tissue associated with these pharyngocervical tracts may have malignant potential. We present a case report of a novel surgical approach and review of the literature. A 27-year-old man presented with complaint of drainage from the right side of his neck since early childhood. A tract was found from the posterior tonsillar pillar into the neck and ectopic salivary tissue was found along the tract. A congenital hearing loss was also present. Transoral robotic (TORS)-assisted surgery was used in the management of this patient and allowed excellent visualization of the pharyngeal component of the lesion and a minimally invasive approach. The patient did well with no recurrence. TORS was helpful for management of a congenital salivary fistula and may be helpful for branchial cleft fistulae. These lesions may be associated with the branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Role of laser myringotomy in a pediatric otolaryngology practice: initial experience

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shah, Udayan K.

    2001-05-01

    A new technology (OtoLAM) to fenestrate the tympanic membrane with the carbon dioxide laser (CO2), in the office or the operating room, has been introduced over the last three years. While not new conceptually, this product offers the ability to easily create a precise window into the middle ear using a portable system. Controversy regarding the indications and benefits of this technique, amplified by the costs of the system and the marketing of the technology prior to extensive clinical testing, has plagued the clinical application of this technology. We report our experience over the past year with this system in a busy pediatric otolaryngology practice. Laser fenestration of the tympanic membrane has been useful for the insertion of tympanostomy tubes, and for the minimally invasive evaluation of the middle ear. Our small experience to date reveals that there is a limited role for laser tympanic membrane fenestration in a busy pediatric otolaryngology practice.

  2. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Patrick, Aaron N.; Cabrera, Joshua H.; Smith, Anna L.

    SIX1 interacts with EYA to form a bipartite transcription factor essential for mammalian development. Loss of function of this complex causes branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, whereas re-expression of SIX1 or EYA promotes metastasis. Here we describe the 2.0-Å structure of SIX1 bound to EYA2, which suggests a new DNA-binding mechanism for SIX1 and provides a rationale for the effect of BOR syndrome mutations. The structure also reveals that SIX1 uses predominantly a single helix to interact with EYA. Substitution of a single amino acid in this helix is sufficient to disrupt SIX1-EYA interaction, SIX1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in mouse models.more » Given that SIX1 and EYA are overexpressed in many tumor types, our data indicate that targeting the SIX1–EYA complex may be a potent approach to inhibit tumor progression in multiple cancer types.« less

  3. Annual Activity Density of groundbeetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of a Celtis ehrenbergiana (Rosales: Celtidaceae) Forest of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

    PubMed Central

    Castro, Adela V.; Porrini, Darío P.; Cicchino, Armando C.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the annual activity cycle, the sex ratio, and the relationship between the weather variables and activity density of the 16 most abundant carabid species of a typical southeastern region of Pampasia, Argentina. The study focused on the southernmost Celtis ehrenbergiana (Klotzsch) Liebmann ( =  C. tala Guillies ex Planch) native forest of the region, from March 2008 to March 2009, a period during which there was a marked draught associated with the La Niña phenomenon. Forty-five pitfall traps were emptied once every 2 wk, and the occurrence of larvae, tenerals, and subtenerals was recorded. Photoperiod, temperature, and precipitations explained 35% of the total variation in the catch. Total carabid activity was high in early autumn and late spring. Eight species reached their maximum activity in spring, five in winter, two in summer, and one in autumn. Possible reproductive strategies, the influence of different variables involved in the life cycles of the species, and the sex ratio and their limitations are discussed. RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la proporción de sexos, el ciclo de actividad annual, la relación entre las variables meteorológicas y la actividad de las 16 especies más frecuentes de carábidos de una región típica del sudeste de la Pampasia, Argentina. El trabajo se enfocó en el talar, C. ehrenbergiana (Klotzsch) Liebmann ( =  C. tala Guillies ex Planch), más austral de la región, durante marzo 2008-marzo 2009, período marcado por una sequía asociada con el fenómeno La Niña. Se utilizaron 45 trampas “pitfall” recambiadas quincenalmente. Se registró la presencia de larvas, tenerales y subtenerales. El fotoperíodo, la temperatura y las precipitaciones explicaron el 35% de la variación en el número de total de individuos. La actividad total de los carábidos fue alta en otoño temprano y primavera tardía. Ocho especies alcanzaron el pico de m

  4. Evidence and evidence gaps - an introduction.

    PubMed

    Dreier, Gabriele; Löhler, Jan

    2016-01-01

    , databases, information portals with processed evidence as well as specific journals and finally teaching are appropriate vehicles. One problem is the multitude of information so that knowledge gaps may affect the clinical routine despite actually existing evidence. Generally, it still takes several years until new knowledge is implemented in daily routine. Tasks: The German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie e.V., DGHNOKHC) and the Professional Association of Otolaryngologists (Deutscher Berufsverband der HNO-Ärzte e.V., BVHNO) have fundamental interest in supporting their members in generating, processing, and providing evidence as well as accompanying knowledge transfer. It encompasses the fields of diagnostics, therapy, and prognosis in the same way as prevention and applies to medicinal products as well as to medical devices or surgical procedures. The base for this is the regular assessment of evidence gaps, also in the area of established procedures, that has to be followed by a prioritization of research questions and the subsequent initiation of clinical research. In addition, large trials verifying therapies and diagnostics, for example in the context of daily conditions after approval, can only be conducted combining all resources in the ENT community. Method, results, and outlook: Together, the executive committees of the DGHNOKHC and the BVHNO founded the German Study Center of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Deutsches Studienzentrum für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie, DSZ-HNO). First projects have been initiated, among those a clinical trial on the therapy of sudden hearing loss supported by the BMBF and a survey on evidence gaps in oto-rhino-laryngology. It seems to be both reasonable and feasible to make available methodological expertise via such an infrastructure of a study center for physicians in

  5. Impact of eutrophication on shallow marine benthic foraminifers over the last 150 years in Osaka Bay, Japan

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Tsujimoto, Akira; Nomura, Ritsuo; Yasuhara, Moriaki; Yamazaki, Hideo; Yoshikawa, Shusaku

    2006-01-01

    High-resolution foraminiferal analysis was conducted on a short sediment core from the inner part of Osaka Bay, Japan. Changes in foraminiferal assemblages were associated with eutrophication, bottom water hypoxia, and changes in red tide-causing algae. Before the 1920s, the calcareous species Ammonia beccarii, and the agglutinated species Eggerella advena and Trochammina hadai were rare, but calcareous foraminifers in general were abundant. Between the 1920s and 1940s, calcareous foraminifers decreased abruptly in abundance, while A. beccarii, E. advena and T. hadai increased in abundance. This faunal change corresponded in time to an increase in nutrients flowing in through the Yodo River, and bottom water hypoxia related to eutrophication. In the 1960s and 1970s, A. beccarii, E. advena and T. hadai further increased in abundance to become dominant, and many calcareous foraminifers nearly disappeared, corresponding to increasing bottom water hypoxia related to the rapid increase in discharged nutrients during the high economic growth period from 1953 to 1971. After the 1990s, A. beccarii decreased rapidly in abundance and E. advena and Uvigerinella glabra increased in abundance. The main components of red tide-causing algae changed from dinoflagellates to diatoms in the 1980s through 1990s, thus there was a change in the food supply to the benthos, which may have caused the increase in abundance of E. advena and U. glabra.

  6. Generic names of northern and southern fur seals (Mammalia: Otariidae)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Gardner, A.L.; Robbins, C.B.

    1998-01-01

    We have resolved a nomenclatural problem discovered during research on the northern fur seal that concerns the correct generic name for this taxon and for fur seals of the Southern Hemisphere. The unfortunate practice by some 19th century authors to use names in their Latinized form, but to date them from their first appearance as French common names led to the use of Arctocephalus for southern fur seals when the name correctly applies to the northern fur seal, known today as Callorhinus ursinus. However, Arctocephalus and Callorhinus are antedated by Otoes G. Fischer, 1817, which is the earliest available generic for the fur seal of the northern Pacific. The earliest available generic name for southern fur seals is Halarctus Gill, 1866. To avoid the confusion that would result from replacing the currently used generic names with those required by strict adherence to the Principle of Priority, we have petitioned the International Commission on Zoological nomenclature to preserve Arctocephalus and Callorhinus for the southern and northern fur seals, respectively.

  7. A Dual Phenotype of Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia and Frontometaphyseal Dysplasia in One Patient Caused by a Single FLNA Mutation Leading to Two Functionally Different Aberrant Transcripts

    PubMed Central

    Zenker, Martin; Rauch, Anita; Winterpacht, Andreas; Tagariello, Andreas; Kraus, Cornelia; Rupprecht, Thomas; Sticht, Heinrich; Reis, André

    2004-01-01

    Two disorders, periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) and a group of skeletal dysplasias belonging to the oto-palato-digital (OPD) spectrum, are caused by FLNA mutations. They are considered mutually exclusive because of the different presumed effects of the respective FLNA gene mutations, leading to loss of function (PVNH) and gain of function (OPD), respectively. We describe here the first patient manifesting PVNH in combination with frontometaphyseal dysplasia, a skeletal dysplasia of the OPD-spectrum. A novel de novo mutation, 7315C→A in exon 45 of the FLNA gene, was identified. It leads to two aberrant transcripts, one full-length transcript with the point mutation causing a substitution of a highly conserved leucine residue (L2439M) and a second shortened transcript lacking 21 bp due to the creation of an ectopic splice donor site in exon 45. We propose that the dual phenotype is caused by two functionally different, aberrant filamin A proteins and therefore represents an exceptional model case of allelic gain-of-function and loss-of-function phenotypes due to a single mutational event. PMID:14988809

  8. The preauricular sinus: a review of its clinical presentation, treatment, and associations.

    PubMed

    Scheinfeld, Noah S; Silverberg, Nanette B; Weinberg, Jeffrey M; Nozad, Valerie

    2004-01-01

    Preauricular sinuses (ear pits) are common congenital abnormalities. Usually asymptomatic, they manifest as small dells adjacent to the external ear near the anterior margin of the ascending limb of the helix, most frequently on the right side. Preauricular sinuses can be either inherited or sporadic. When inherited, they show an incomplete autosomal dominant pattern with reduced penetrance and variable expression. They may be bilateral, increasing the likelihood of being inherited, in 25-50% of cases. Preauricular sinuses are features of other conditions or syndromes in 3-10% of cases, primarily in association with deafness and branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. When other congenital anomalies coexist with these sinuses, auditory testing and renal ultrasound should be considered. Sinuses may become infected, most commonly with gram-positive bacteria, in which case their exudates should be cultured and appropriate antibiotics administered. Recurrent infection is a clear indication for complete excision and provides the only definitive cure. Recurrence rates after surgery range from 9% to 42%. Meticulous excision by an experienced head and neck surgeon minimizes the risk of recurrence.

  9. Implementation of study results in guidelines and adherence to guidelines in clinical practice

    PubMed Central

    Waldfahrer, Frank

    2016-01-01

    Guidelines were introduced in hospital- and practice-based otorhinolaryngology in the 1990ies, and have been undergoing further development ever since. There are currently 20 guidelines on file at the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. The society has cooperated in further 34 guidelines. The quality of the guidelines has been continuously improved by concrete specifications put forward by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e.V., AWMF). Since increasing digitalization has made access to scientific publications quicker and simpler, relevant study results can be incorporated in guidelines more easily today than in the analog world. S2e and S3 guidelines must be based on a formal literature search with subsequent evaluation of the evidence. The consensus procedure for S2k guidelines is also regulated. However, the implementation of guidelines in routine medical practice must still be considered inadequate, and there is still a considerable need for improvement in adherence to these guidelines. PMID:28025601

  10. A decamer duplication in the 3′ region of the BRI gene originates an amyloid peptide that is associated with dementia in a Danish kindred

    PubMed Central

    Vidal, Ruben; Révész, Tamas; Rostagno, Agueda; Kim, Eugene; Holton, Janice L.; Bek, Toke; Bojsen-Møller, Marie; Braendgaard, Hans; Plant, Gordon; Ghiso, Jorge; Frangione, Blas

    2000-01-01

    Familial Danish dementia (FDD), also known as heredopathia ophthalmo-oto-encephalica, is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by cataracts, deafness, progressive ataxia, and dementia. Neuropathological findings include severe widespread cerebral amyloid angiopathy, hippocampal plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles, similar to Alzheimer's disease. N-terminal sequence analysis of isolated leptomeningeal amyloid fibrils revealed homology to ABri, the peptide originated by a point mutation at the stop codon of gene BRI in familial British dementia. Molecular genetic analysis of the BRI gene in the Danish kindred showed a different defect, namely the presence of a 10-nt duplication (795–796insTTTAATTTGT) between codons 265 and 266, one codon before the normal stop codon 267. The decamer duplication mutation produces a frame-shift in the BRI sequence generating a larger-than-normal precursor protein, of which the amyloid subunit (designated ADan) comprises the last 34 C-terminal amino acids. This de novo-created amyloidogenic peptide, associated with a genetic defect in the Danish kindred, stresses the importance of amyloid formation as a causative factor in neurodegeneration and dementia. PMID:10781099

  11. PREFACE: 19th International Conference on the Application of High Magnetic Fields in Semiconductor Physics and Nanotechnology (HMF-19)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muraki, Koji; Takeyama, Shojiro

    2011-12-01

    This volume contains invited and contributed papers from the 19th International Conference on the Application of High Magnetic Fields in Semiconductor Physics and Nanotechnology (HMF-19) held in Fukuoka, Japan, from 1-6 August 2010. This conference was mainly sponsored by the Tokyo University-'Horiba International fund', which was donated by Dr Masao Horiba, the founder of Horiba Ltd. The scientific program of HMF-19 consisted of 37 invited talks, 24 contributed talks, and 83 posters, which is available from the conference homepage http://www.hmf19.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/index.html. Each manuscript submitted for publication in this volume has been independently reviewed. The Editor is very grateful to all the reviewers for their quick responses and helpful reports and to all the authors for their submissions and patience for the delay in the editorial process. Finally, the Editor would like to express his sincere gratitude to all the individuals involved in the conference organization and all the attendees, who made this conference so successful. Koji Muraki Conference photograph Committees Chair Conference chairS Takeyama(ISSP-UT) Conference secretary T Machida (IIS-UT) Program chair K Muraki (NTT) Local organizing chair K Oto (Chiba Univ.) Advisory Committee International Domestic L Brey (ES) T Ando (TIT) Z H Chen (CN) Y Hirayama (Tohoku Univ.) S Das Sarma (US) G Kido (NIMS) L Eaves (GB) N Miura (JP) J P Eisenstein (US) J Nitta (Tohoku Univ.) K Ensslin (CH) T Takamasu (NIMS) J Furdyna (US) G M Gusev (BR) I Kukushkin (RU) Z D Kvon (RU) G Landwehr (DE) J C Maan (NL) A H MacDonald (US) N F Oliveira Jr (BR) A Pinczuk (US) J C Portal (FR) A Sachrajda (CA) M K Sanyal(IN) R Stepniewski(PL) Program Committee Chair: K Muraki(NTT) International Domestic G Bauer (AU) H Ajiki (Osaka Univ.) G Boebinger (US) H Aoki (Hongo, UT) S Ivanov (RU) K Nomura (RIKEN) K von Klitzing (DE) T Okamoto (Hongo, UT) R Nicholas (GB) T Osada (ISSP-UT ) M Potemski (FR) N Studart (BR) U Zeitler (NL

  12. Quantification of anthropogenic impact on groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystem using geochemical and isotope tools combined with 3-D flow and transport modelling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zurek, A. J.; Witczak, S.; Dulinski, M.; Wachniew, P.; Rozanski, K.; Kania, J.; Postawa, A.; Karczewski, J.; Moscicki, W. J.

    2015-02-01

    Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) have important functions in all climatic zones as they contribute to biological and landscape diversity and provide important economic and social services. Steadily growing anthropogenic pressure on groundwater resources creates a conflict situation between nature and man which are competing for clean and safe sources of water. Such conflicts are particularly noticeable in GDEs located in densely populated regions. A dedicated study was launched in 2010 with the main aim to better understand the functioning of a groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystem (GDTE) located in southern Poland. The GDTE consists of a valuable forest stand (Niepolomice Forest) and associated wetland (Wielkie Błoto fen). It relies mostly on groundwater from the shallow Quaternary aquifer and possibly from the deeper Neogene (Bogucice Sands) aquifer. In July 2009 a cluster of new pumping wells abstracting water from the Neogene aquifer was set up 1 km to the northern border of the fen. A conceptual model of the Wielkie Błoto fen area for the natural, pre-exploitation state and for the envisaged future status resulting from intense abstraction of groundwater through the new well field was developed. The main aim of the reported study was to probe the validity of the conceptual model and to quantify the expected anthropogenic impact on the studied GDTE. A wide range of research tools was used. The results obtained through combined geologic, geophysical, geochemical, hydrometric and isotope investigations provide strong evidence for the existence of upward seepage of groundwater from the deeper Neogene aquifer to the shallow Quaternary aquifer supporting the studied GDTE. Simulations of the groundwater flow field in the study area with the aid of a 3-D flow and transport model developed for Bogucice Sands (Neogene) aquifer and calibrated using environmental tracer data and observations of hydraulic head in three different locations on the study area

  13. Encoding of head acceleration in vestibular neurons. I. Spatiotemporal response properties to linear acceleration

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bush, G. A.; Perachio, A. A.; Angelaki, D. E.

    1993-01-01

    1. Extracellular recordings were made in and around the medial vestibular nuclei in decerebrated rats. Neurons were functionally identified according to their semicircular canal input on the basis of their responses to angular head rotations around the yaw, pitch, and roll head axes. Those cells responding to angular acceleration were classified as either horizontal semicircular canal-related (HC) or vertical semicircular canal-related (VC) neurons. The HC neurons were further characterized as either type I or type II, depending on the direction of rotation producing excitation. Cells that lacked a response to angular head acceleration, but exhibited sensitivity to a change in head position, were classified as purely otolith organ-related (OTO) neurons. All vestibular neurons were then tested for their response to sinusoidal linear translation in the horizontal head plane. 2. Convergence of macular and canal inputs onto central vestibular nuclei neurons occurred in 73% of the type I HC, 79% of the type II HC, and 86% of the VC neurons. Out of the 223 neurons identified as receiving macular input, 94 neurons were further studied, and their spatiotemporal response properties to sinusoidal stimulation with pure linear acceleration were quantified. Data were obtained from 33 type I HC, 22 type II HC, 22 VC, and 17 OTO neurons. 3. For each neuron the angle of the translational stimulus vector was varied by 15, 30, or 45 degrees increments in the horizontal head plane. In all tested neurons, a direction of maximum sensitivity was identified. An interesting difference among neurons was their response to translation along the direction perpendicular to that that produced the maximum response ("null" direction). For the majority of neurons tested, it was possible to evoke a nonzero response during stimulation along the null direction always had response phases that varied as a function of stimulus direction. 4. These spatiotemporal response properties were quantified in two

  14. CTP (Cochlin-tomoprotein) detection in the profuse fluid leakage (gusher) from cochleostomy.

    PubMed

    Ikezono, Tetsuo; Sugizaki, Kazuki; Shindo, Susumu; Sekiguchi, Satomi; Pawankar, Ruby; Baba, Shunkichi; Yagi, Toshiaki

    2010-08-01

    By testing 125 samples, we confirmed that Cochlin-tomoprotein (CTP) is present in the perilymph, not in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Perilymph and CSF exist in two distinct compartments, even in the case of a malformed inner ear with a bony defect in the lamina cribrosa, as described here. Cochleostomy might have suddenly decreased the perilymph pressure, allowing the influx of CSF into the inner ear resulting in profuse fluid leakage, first perilymph then CSF. The first purpose of this study was to further confirm the specificity of the perilymph-specific protein CTP that we reported recently. Secondly, we assessed the nature of the fluid leakage from the cochleostomy using the CTP detection test. A standardized CTP detection test was performed on 65 perilymph and 60 CSF samples. Samples of profuse fluid leakage collected from cochleostomy during cochlear implantation surgery of one patient with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome were also tested by the CTP detection test. CTP was detected in 60 of 65 perilymph samples but not in any of the CSF samples. The leaked fluid was shown to contain CTP, i.e. perilymph, at the outset, and then the CTP detection signals gradually disappeared as time elapsed.

  15. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in Menière's disease. Guidelines of the French Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL).

    PubMed

    Nevoux, J; Franco-Vidal, V; Bouccara, D; Parietti-Winkler, C; Uziel, A; Chays, A; Dubernard, X; Couloigner, V; Darrouzet, V; Mom, T

    2017-12-01

    The authors present the guidelines of the French Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Society (Société française d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie de la face et du cou: SFORL) for diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in Menière's disease. A work group was entrusted with a review of the scientific literature on the above topic. Guidelines were drawn up, then read over by an editorial group independent of the work group. The guidelines were graded according to the literature analysis and recommendations grading guide published by the French National Agency for Accreditation and Evaluation in Health (January 2000). Menière's disease is diagnosed in the presence of the association of four classical clinical items and after eliminating differential diagnoses on MRI. In case of partial presentation, objective audiovestibular tests are recommended. Therapy comprises medical treatment and surgery, either conservative or sacrificing vestibular function. Medical treatment is based on lifestyle improvement, betahistine, diuretics or transtympanic injection of corticosteroids or gentamicin. The main surgical treatments, in order of increasing aggressiveness, are endolymphatic sac surgery, vestibular neurotomy and labyrinthectomy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. Topically administered hyaluronic acid in the upper airway: A narrative review.

    PubMed

    Pignataro, Lorenzo; Marchisio, Paola; Ibba, Tullio; Torretta, Sara

    2018-01-01

    Hyaluronic acid plays a role in controlling inflammatory airway processes and mucociliary clearance, and it is also involved in tissue healing and remodelling. Some studies have tested the effectiveness of topically administered hyaluronic acid in patients with upper airway diseases with positive preliminary results. This article describes the use of topically administered hyaluronic acid in patients with otolaryngological disorders. Pertinent studies published between January 2000 and October 2016 were selected by means of a MEDLINE search using the following terms: 'hyaluronic acid' and 'otolaryngology', 'otitis', 'pharyngitis', 'tonsillitis', 'rhinitis', 'rhinosinusitis' and 'nose'. Twelve of the 19 initially identified papers were selected, corresponding to 902 patients as a whole. There is some evidence that topically administered hyaluronic acid is effective or moderately effective in different otolaryngological conditions, as it improves the global subjective and clinical status of patients with inflammation of the nasopharyngeal and oto-tubaric complex, those with rhinitis or rhinosinusitis and those who have undergone nasal and sinonasal surgery. However, these findings should be viewed cautiously as they are based on a limited number of studies, some of which were probably under-powered because of their small patient samples.

  17. Interactions of 2-phenyl-benzotriazole xenobiotic compounds with human Cytochrome P450-CYP1A1 by means of docking, molecular dynamics simulations and MM-GBSA calculations.

    PubMed

    Mena-Ulecia, Karel; MacLeod-Carey, Desmond

    2018-06-01

    2-phenyl-benzotriazole xenobiotic compounds (PBTA-4, PBTA-6, PBTA-7 and PBTA-8) that were previously isolated and identified in waters of the Yodo river, in Japan (Nukaya et al., 2001; Ohe et al., 2004; Watanabe et al., 2001) were characterized as powerful pro-mutagens. In order to predict the activation mechanism of these pro-mutagens, we designed a computational biochemistry protocol, which includes, docking experiments, molecular dynamics simulations and free energy decomposition calculations to obtain information about the interaction of 2-phenyl-benzotriazole molecules into the active center of cytochrome P450-CYP1A1 (CYP1A1). Molecular docking calculations using AutoDock Vina software shows that PBTAs are proportionally oriented in the pocket of CYP1A1, establishing π-π stacking attractive interactions between the triazole group and the Phe224, as well as, the hydrogen bonds of the terminal NH 2 over the benzotriazole units with the Asn255 and Ser116 amino acids. Molecular dynamics simulations using NAMD package showed that these interactions are stable along 100.0 ns of trajectories. Into this context, free binding energy calculations employing the MM-GBSA approach, shows that some differences exists among the interaction of PBTAs with CYP1A1, regarding the solvation, electrostatic and van der Waals interaction energy components. These results suggest that PBTA molecules might be activated by CYP1A1. Thus, enhancing their mutagenicity when compared with the pro-mutagen parent species. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Football match spectator sound exposure and effect on hearing: a pretest-post-test study.

    PubMed

    Swanepoel, De Wet; Hall, James W

    2010-03-30

    To determine (i) noise exposure levels of spectators at a FIFA 2010 designated training stadium during a premier soccer league match; and (ii) changes in auditory functioning after the match. This was a one-group pretest-post-test design of football spectators attending a premier soccer league match at a designated FIFA 2010 training stadium in Gauteng, South Africa. Individual spectator noise exposure for the duration of the football match and post-match changes in hearing thresholds were measured with pure-tone audiometry, and cochlear functioning was measured with distortion product oto-acoustic emissions (DPOAEs). The average sound exposure level during the match was 100.5 LAeq (dBA), with peak intensities averaging 140.4 dB(C). A significant (p=0.005) deterioration of post-match hearing thresholds was evident at 2 000 Hz, and post-match DPOAE amplitudes were significantly reduced at 1,266, 3,163 and 5,063 Hz (p=0.011, 0.019, 0.013, respectively). Exposure levels exceeded limits of permissible average and peak sound levels. Significant changes in post-match hearing thresholds and cochlear responsiveness highlight the possible risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Public awareness and personal hearing protection should be prioritized as preventive measures.

  19. Occupational exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in wood dust

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huynh, C. K.; Schüpfer, P.; Boiteux, P.

    2009-02-01

    Sino-nasal cancer (SNC) represents approximately 3% of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) cancers. Adenocarcinoma SNC is an acknowledged occupational disease affecting certain specialized workers such as joiners and cabinetmakers. The high proportion of woodworkers contracting a SNC, subjected to an estimated risk 50 to 100 times higher than that affecting the general population, has suggested various study paths to possible causes such as tannin in hardwood, formaldehyde in plywood and benzo(a)pyrene produced by wood when overheated by cutting tools. It is acknowledged that tannin does not cause cancer to workers exposed to tea dust. Apart from being an irritant, formaldehyde is also classified as carcinogenic. The path involving carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted by overheated wood is attractive. In this study, we measured the particle size and PAHs content in dust emitted by the processing of wood in an experimental chamber, and in field situation. Quantification of 16 PAHs is carried out by capillary GC-ion trap Mass Spectrometric analysis (GC-MS). The materials tested are rough fir tree, oak, impregnated polyurethane (PU) oak. The wood dust contains carcinogenic PAHs at the level of μg.g-1 or ppm. During sanding operations, the PU varnish-impregnated wood produces 100 times more PAHs in dust than the unfinished wood.

  20. The canonical wnt signal restricts the glycogen synthase kinase 3/fbw7-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of eya1 phosphatase.

    PubMed

    Sun, Ye; Li, Xue

    2014-07-01

    Haploinsufficiency of Eya1 causes the branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, and abnormally high levels of Eya1 are linked to breast cancer progression and poor prognosis. Therefore, regulation of Eya1 activity is key to its tissue-specific functions and oncogenic activities. Here, we show that Eya1 is posttranslationally modified by ubiquitin and that its ubiquitination level is self-limited to prevent premature degradation. Eya1 has an evolutionarily conserved CDC4 phosphodegron (CPD) signal, a target site of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) kinase and Fbw7 ubiquitin ligase, which is required for Eya1 ubiquitination. Genetic deletion of Fbw7 and pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 significantly decrease Eya1 ubiquitination. Conversely, activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the canonical Wnt signal suppresses Eya1 ubiquitination. Compound Eya1(+/-); Wnt9b(+/-) mutants exhibit an increased penetrance of renal defect, indicating that they function in the same genetic pathway in vivo. Together, these findings reveal that the canonical Wnt and PI3K/Akt signal pathways restrain the GSK3/Fbw7-dependent Eya1 ubiquitination, and they further suggest that dysregulation of this novel axis contributes to tumorigenesis. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  1. [Treatment of difficult endocrine orbitopathy cases].

    PubMed

    Breuer, T; Ammann-Rauch, D; Tasman, A J

    2007-05-01

    There can be many differences between the clinical presentation and disease development of endocrine orbitopathy. Uncommon clinical expressions of the disease may lead to misinterpretations causing difficulties in treatment. Misdiagnosed forms of the disease can end with irreversible vision loss. A 79-year old female with severe bilateral thyroid eye disease, progressive almost blinding visual loss, with the absence of exophthalmos is described. Second, a 39 year old female with a unilateral thyroid eye disease and relapsing episodes of the disease is reported. Exophthalmos, as a symptom, occurs in about 60 % of the patients diagnosed with thyroid eye disease. The absence of exophthalmos may be due to a reduced volume (atrophy ) of retrobulbar fat tissue. Progressive visual loss can be related to direct compression of the optic nerve by thickened eye muscles in the orbital apex. Thyroid eye disease presents itself unilaterally in 5-11 % of all cases and involvement of the contra lateral orbit may occur years later. A relapse of the disease may be triggered by episodes of hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Smoking is a significant risk factor for orbitopathy relapse. Physicians treating thyroid eye disease should be aware of atypical clinical presentations in order for early satisfactory treatment. An interdisciplinary approach including ophthalmologists, endocrinologists and oto-rhino-laryngologists is necessary for optimal management.

  2. A systematic review on olfaction in child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.

    PubMed

    Schecklmann, Martin; Schwenck, Christina; Taurines, Regina; Freitag, Christine; Warnke, Andreas; Gerlach, Manfred; Romanos, Marcel

    2013-01-01

    There is substantial evidence that olfactory function may serve as biomarker in adult neuropsychiatric disorders, e.g. overall diminished olfaction in Parkinson's disease as parameter for early pre-motor and differential diagnosis. Here, we present data from a systematic literature review in olfactory function in child and adolescent psychiatric disorders and report two unpublished data sets of autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The overall number of olfaction studies is low-even after taking into account adult samples. In addition, heterogeneity of findings is high due to methodological limitations such as the use of different olfactory tests and odours targeting the olfactory and/or the trigeminal system and neglecting possible confounders, e.g., intelligence or oto-rhino-laryngological affections. Despite these limitations, there is some indication for specific alterations of olfactory function especially in disorders with dopaminergic pathology (e.g. attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, schizophrenia, 22q11 deletion syndrome). Dopamine is a relevant modulator of early processes in the olfactory bulb. Our systematic review provides the basis for future confirmatory studies investigating olfaction as putative biomarker in child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. We further propose studies of thorough and elaborate methodological standards in combination with imaging techniques and the investigation of the influence of genetic variation on olfactory function.

  3. [Injuries in the throat-nose-ear area by automobile air bags].

    PubMed

    Klask, J

    2001-03-01

    Airbags are successful in avoiding or in reducing serious injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. On the other hand airbag deployment has led to a new kind of injuries. Only a few publications about that item exist. The experiences made with two patients after airbag deployment are described. The relevant literature is discussed. Two patients after airbag injuries were examined. The face of the first patient hit a regularly expanding airbag. Afterwards his nose was obviously deformed. In the other case both front airbags of a car burst triggered by a frontal crash. The symptoms of this patient were painful itching skinlesions in his face, unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The first described patient had a clinical and radiological provable fracture of his nasal bone with a frontal impression. The facial skin of the other patient was etched by the filling gas of the airbags. He was also suffering from an acoustic trauma. These cases are compared to other cases found in the literature. Oto-rhino-laryngological injuries can be caused by airbag deployment, especially by bursting airbags. Beside of outward injuries like dermatological hurts and fractures of the facial skeleton also more serious and life-threatening traumata can occur with damage of the cervical spine and upper airway. Moreover otologic handicaps like temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, otalgia and tympanic membrane perforations are possible consequences.

  4. [Solitary actinomycotic brain abscess: case report].

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Kiyoshi; Hasegawa, Yoshihito; Nishimoto, Yo; Hayashi, Satoru; Yamasaki, Masahiro; Kuzume, Daisuke; Hashimoto, Keiko; Enzan, Hideaki

    2012-06-01

    Actinomycotic brain abscess is a rare condition with uncertain clinical features. Here we report the case of a 66-year-old immune-competent woman with an actinomycotic brain abscess who presented with sensory aphasia and mild right hemiparesis. She had no febrile episode or headache. Moreover, she did not have any periodontal or oto-rhino-laryngological disease, and the results of laboratory tests were normal. A computed tomography scan showed an irregular, low-density area in the left parietal lobe. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging showed low-signal intensity in a T1 weighted image, high-signal intensity in a T2 weighted image, and mixed intensity on a diffusion weighted image. Thallium-201 chloride scintigraphy showed definite accumulation of thallium in the lesion and the patient's condition gradually deteriorated. Ten days after gadolinium administration, a T1 weighted image showed a multi- lobulated irregular mass in the left parietal lobe. The patient subsequently underwent craniotomy and evacuation of the yellowish abscess. Gram staining of the tissue showed the presence of gram-positive filamentous rods, and abscess cultures were positive for Actinomyces and Prevotella disiens. The abscess resolved after treatment with a high dose of intravenous penicillin G (24 million units/day) for 8 weeks, followed by an oral dose of amoxicillin for 4 months. The patient was discharged with a rudimentary limitation of the visual field.

  5. Thioamide Substitution Selectively Modulates Proteolysis and Receptor Activity of Therapeutic Peptide Hormones.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xing; Mietlicki-Baase, Elizabeth G; Barrett, Taylor M; McGrath, Lauren E; Koch-Laskowski, Kieran; Ferrie, John J; Hayes, Matthew R; Petersson, E James

    2017-11-22

    Peptide hormones are attractive as injectable therapeutics and imaging agents, but they often require extensive modification by mutagenesis and/or chemical synthesis to prevent rapid in vivo degradation. Alternatively, the single-atom, O-to-S modification of peptide backbone thioamidation has the potential to selectively perturb interactions with proteases while preserving interactions with other proteins, such as target receptors. Here, we use the validated diabetes therapeutic, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and the target of clinical investigation, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), as proof-of-principle peptides to demonstrate the value of thioamide substitution. In GLP-1 and GIP, a single thioamide near the scissile bond renders these peptides up to 750-fold more stable than the corresponding oxopeptides toward cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase 4, the principal regulator of their in vivo stability. These stabilized analogues are nearly equipotent with their parent peptide in cyclic AMP activation assays, but the GLP-1 thiopeptides have much lower β-arrestin potency, making them novel agonists with altered signaling bias. Initial tests show that a thioamide GLP-1 analogue is biologically active in rats, with an in vivo potency for glycemic control surpassing that of native GLP-1. Taken together, these experiments demonstrate the potential for thioamides to modulate specific protein interactions to increase proteolytic stability or tune activation of different signaling pathways.

  6. Systematic review of vestibular disorders related to human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

    PubMed

    Heinze, B; Swanepoel, D W; Hofmeyr, L M

    2011-09-01

    Disorders of the auditory and vestibular system are often associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. However, the extent and nature of these vestibular manifestations are unclear. To systematically review the current peer-reviewed literature on vestibular manifestations and pathology related to human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Systematic review of peer-reviewed articles related to vestibular findings in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Several electronic databases were searched. We identified 442 records, reduced to 210 after excluding duplicates and reviews. These were reviewed for relevance to the scope of the study. We identified only 13 reports investigating vestibular functioning and pathology in individuals affected by human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This condition can affect both the peripheral and central vestibular system, irrespective of age and viral disease stage. Peripheral vestibular involvement may affect up to 50 per cent of patients, and central vestibular involvement may be even more prevalent. Post-mortem studies suggest direct involvement of the entire vestibular system, while opportunistic infections such as oto- and neurosyphilis and encephalitis cause secondary vestibular dysfunction resulting in vertigo, dizziness and imbalance. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome should routinely be monitored for vestibular involvement, to minimise functional limitations of quality of life.

  7. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in patients with BPPV.

    PubMed

    Korres, Stavros; Gkoritsa, Eleni; Giannakakou-Razelou, Dimitra; Yiotakis, Ioannis; Riga, Maria; Nikolpoulos, Thomas P

    2011-01-01

    The probable cause of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a degeneration of the oto lithic organs (utricle and saccule). The aim of the study is to find possible alterations in Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) recordings in BPPV patients, because the saccule is part of the VEMP pathway. 27 BPPV patients (24 unilateral and 3 bilateral) aged 20 to 70 years and 30 healthy age matched controls. BPPV was diagnosed by the upbeating geotropic nystagmus found in the supine position with the head overextended towards one side. The subjects were investigated with pure tone audiometry, bi-thermal caloric test with electronystagmographic (ENG) recording, and VEMP recording. P1 latency and N1 latency did not present any statistical difference between control ears and affected ears of the BPPV population. The percentage of abnormal VEMP in the BPPV population was statistically higher than in the control ears (p < 0.005). No significant relationship could be shown between the occurrence of Canal Paresis and abnormal VEMP. No relationship was found between the side (right or left ear) where BPPV appeared clinically and the side where abnormal VEMP was registered. BPPV is a clinical entity associated with increased occurrence of abnormal VEMP recordings, possibly due to degeneration of the saccular macula, which is part of the neural VEMP pathway.

  8. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in patients with BPPV

    PubMed Central

    Korres, Stavros; Gkoritsa, Eleni; Giannakakou-Razelou, Dimitra; Yiotakis, Ioannis; Riga, Maria; Nikolpoulos, Thomas P.

    2011-01-01

    Summary Background The probable cause of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a degeneration of the oto lithic organs (utricle and saccule). The aim of the study is to find possible alterations in Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) recordings in BPPV patients, because the saccule is part of the VEMP pathway. Material/Methods 27 BPPV patients (24 unilateral and 3 bilateral) aged 20 to 70 years and 30 healthy age matched controls. BPPV was diagnosed by the upbeating geotropic nystagmus found in the supine position with the head overextended towards one side. The subjects were investigated with pure tone audiometry, bi-thermal caloric test with electronystagmographic (ENG) recording, and VEMP recording. Results P1 latency and N1 latency did not present any statistical difference between control ears and affected ears of the BPPV population. The percentage of abnormal VEMP in the BPPV population was statistically higher than in the control ears (p<0.005). No significant relationship could be shown between the occurrence of Canal Paresis and abnormal VEMP. No relationship was found between the side (right or left ear) where BPPV appeared clinically and the side where abnormal VEMP was registered. Conclusions BPPV is a clinical entity associated with increased occurrence of abnormal VEMP recordings, possibly due to degeneration of the saccular macula, which is part of the neural VEMP pathway. PMID:21169909

  9. Classroom acoustics and hearing ability as determinants for perceived social climate and intentions to stay at work.

    PubMed

    Persson, Roger; Kristiansen, Jesper; Lund, Søren P; Shibuya, Hitomi; Nielsen, Per Møberg

    2013-01-01

    Background noise and room acoustics may impede social interactions by interfering with oral communication and other cognitive processes. Accordingly, recent research in school environments has showed that social relationships with peers and teachers are described more negatively in rooms with long reverberation times (RT). The purpose of this study was to investigate how RT and hearing ability (i.e., hearing thresholds [HT] and distortion product oto-acoustic emissions) were associated with school teachers' perceptions of the social climate at work and their intentions to stay on the job. School teachers (n = 107) from 10 schools that worked in classrooms classified by acoustical experts as "short RT" (3 schools, mean RT 0.41-0.47 s), "medium RT" (3 schools, mean RT 0.50-0.53 s), and "long RT" (4 schools, mean RT 0.59-0.73 s) were examined. Teachers who worked in classrooms with long RT perceived their social climate to be more competitive, conflict laden, and less relaxed and comfortable. They were more doubtful about staying on the job. Even if the teachers were generally satisfied with their work the results suggest that the comfort at work may have been further improved by acoustical interventions that focus on reducing sound reflections in the classrooms. Yet, due the study design and the novelty of the findings the potential practical significance of our observations remains to be evaluated.

  10. Does canal wall down mastoidectomy benefit syndromic children with congenital aural stenosis?

    PubMed

    Sjogren, Phayvanh P; Gurgel, Richard K; Park, Albert H

    2016-11-01

    To determine whether a canal wall down mastoidectomy can provide long-term benefit for children with aural stenosis. Retrospective case series of children with congenital aural stenosis having undergone a canal wall down mastoidectomy over a twelve-year period at a tertiary children's hospital. Data from thirteen children who underwent a total of twenty canal wall down mastoidectomies for aural stenosis were reviewed. The mean age at surgery was 7.1 years (range, 3.3-12.3 years). All patients had genetic syndromes including Trisomy 21 (n = 7), Trisomy 21 and Pierre Robin sequence (n = 1), Angelmann (n = 1), Cri-du-chat (n = 1), Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (n = 1), Spina bifida (n = 1) and Nager syndrome (n = 1). Seven (54%) children underwent bilateral canal wall down mastoidectomies. All thirteen ears that could not be visualized preoperatively had improved ease of office examination following surgery. Only one patient required revision surgery and all canals were patent at the last clinic visit. The mean follow-up was 4.9 years. There were no cases of facial nerve injury or cerebrospinal fluid leak. Syndromic children with congenital aural stenosis with poorly pneumatized mastoids may benefit from canal wall down mastoidectomy to improve ease of office examinations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Transient threshold shift after gunshot noise exposure.

    PubMed

    Saedi, B; Ghasemi, M; Motiee, M; Mojtahed, M; Safavi, A

    2013-01-01

    Many people, such as soldiers, are routinely exposed to gunshot noise during target practice. It is suspected that this high-intensity noise may affect audition through repeated Transient Threshold Shifts (TTS); it can also mechanically alter auditory components such as waves. This study investigates the scope of gunshot noise from the AK-47 rifle (Kalashnikov) and the impact on the shooters' audition. Forty soldiers (80 ears) were recruited in this study. They were all young and being exposed to gunshot noise for the first time. Gunshot characteristics were measured before exposure. The soldiers underwent auditory evaluation with Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and Oto-Acoustic Emission (OAE) once before exposure and immediately (less than one hour) after exposure. The AK-47 gunshot noise pressure level varied between L(AIm) = 73.7 dBA to L(AIm) = 111.4 dBA. Fourteen participants had subclinical hearing impairment in their pre-exposure evaluation; this number increased to 16 after the exposure. Six months post-exposure and later, the number of cases with impairment had fallen to eight (improvement in 50%). Both pre- and post-exposure OAE results were within normal values, while PTA results indicated a significant threshold alteration only at 6 kHz. The results of this study confirm that exposure to gunshot noise with no ear protection can represent a significant hazard for auditory function, especially at higher frequencies.

  12. Automatic domain updating technique for improving computational efficiency of 2-D flood-inundation simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanaka, T.; Tachikawa, Y.; Ichikawa, Y.; Yorozu, K.

    2017-12-01

    Flood is one of the most hazardous disasters and causes serious damage to people and property around the world. To prevent/mitigate flood damage through early warning system and/or river management planning, numerical modelling of flood-inundation processes is essential. In a literature, flood-inundation models have been extensively developed and improved to achieve flood flow simulation with complex topography at high resolution. With increasing demands on flood-inundation modelling, its computational burden is now one of the key issues. Improvements of computational efficiency of full shallow water equations are made from various perspectives such as approximations of the momentum equations, parallelization technique, and coarsening approaches. To support these techniques and more improve the computational efficiency of flood-inundation simulations, this study proposes an Automatic Domain Updating (ADU) method of 2-D flood-inundation simulation. The ADU method traces the wet and dry interface and automatically updates the simulation domain in response to the progress and recession of flood propagation. The updating algorithm is as follow: first, to register the simulation cells potentially flooded at initial stage (such as floodplains nearby river channels), and then if a registered cell is flooded, to register its surrounding cells. The time for this additional process is saved by checking only cells at wet and dry interface. The computation time is reduced by skipping the processing time of non-flooded area. This algorithm is easily applied to any types of 2-D flood inundation models. The proposed ADU method is implemented to 2-D local inertial equations for the Yodo River basin, Japan. Case studies for two flood events show that the simulation is finished within two to 10 times smaller time showing the same result as that without the ADU method.

  13. [Possibilities and limitations for the representation of ENT medicine in the G-DRG reimbursement system. Results of the DRG evaluation project].

    PubMed

    Franz, D; Roeder, N; Hörmann, K; Alberty, J

    2006-03-01

    To improve the representation of ENT medicine in the German diagnosis related groups (G-DRG) reimbursement system, the German Association for ENT Medicine and the ENT Professional Medical Association, in cooperation with the DRG-Research Group of the University Hospital of Muenster, undertook a DRG evaluation project. A retrospective analysis was carried out of the DRG data records from 93,605 cases taken at 39 ENT institutions in 2003. A prospective collection of data from 25,666 cases, including defined expenditure data within a 4 month period in 2004, was also made. The number of cases per ENT institution ranged from 274 to 2,556. The mean case-mix was 792.0 and the mean case-mix index was 0.84. A total of 60.5% of the patients were male and 39.5% female, with an average age of 43.3 years. The mean patient clinical and complexity level (PCCL) was 0.72. Considerable adjustments have to be made, especially in oto-, rhino- and sinus-surgery. Allocation according to the complexity of the surgical procedure is mandatory and requires a revision of the German Catalogue of Medical Procedures. A DRG differentiation based on the PCCL should be implemented more frequently. Diagnostic endoscopies should be allocated via surgical partitioning. The adjustment proposals based on these results will gradually lead to an improved allocation of ENT medical procedures within the G-DRG system in 2006 and later.

  14. Growth mixture modelling in families of the Framingham Heart Study

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Growth mixture modelling, a less explored method in genetic research, addresses unobserved heterogeneity in population samples. We applied this technique to longitudinal data of the Framingham Heart Study. We examined systolic blood pressure (BP) measures in 1060 males from 692 families and detected three subclasses, which varied significantly in their developmental trajectories over time. The first class consisted of 60 high-risk individuals with elevated BP early in life and a steep increase over time. The second group of 131 individuals displayed first normal BP, but showed a significant increase over time and reached high BP values late in their life time. The largest group of 869 individuals could be considered a normative group with normal BP on all exams. To identify genetic modulators for this phenotype, we tested 2,340 single-nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosome 8 for association with the class membership probabilities of our model. The probability of being in Class 1 was significantly associated with a very rare variant (rs1445404) present in only four individuals from four different families located in the coding region of the gene EYA (eyes absent homolog 1 in Drosophila) (p = 1.39 × 10-13). Mutations in EYA are known to cause brachio-oto-renal syndrome, as well as isolated renal malformations. Renal malformations could cause high BP early in life. This result awaits replication; however, it suggests that analyzing genetic data stratified for high-risk subgroups defined by a unique development over time could be useful for the detection of rare mutations in common multi-factorial diseases. PMID:20017979

  15. The second branchial cleft fistula.

    PubMed

    Maddalozzo, John; Rastatter, Jeffrey C; Dreyfuss, Heath F; Jaffar, Reema; Bhushan, Bharat

    2012-07-01

    To review the surgical anatomy and histopathology of second branchial cleft fistulae. Retrospective study of patients treated for second branchial cleft fistulae at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. The senior author noted anatomic and histologic features of second branchial cleft fistulae, not previously described. Tertiary care children's hospital. Retrospective examination of 28 patients was conducted who were operated upon for second branchial cleft fistula. Data collected included age at surgery, initial presentation, imaging characteristics prior to surgery, laterality of the fistula tract, pathology results and follow-up data. Twenty-eight patients met the criteria for inclusion. Three patients (11%) had bilateral fistulae. 11 (39%) were male and 17 (61%) were female. 23 (74.2%) tracts were lined with ciliated columnar epithelium, 3 (9.7%) had cuboidal epithelium, and 5 (16.7%) had squamous epithelium. Nineteen (61.3%) tracts contained salivary tissue. Of the unilateral fistula tracts, 25 (100%) were on the right side. Of the 3 patients with bilateral lesions, 2 (66%) had associated branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BORS). Second branchial cleft fistulae are rare. They are usually right-sided. If bilateral fistulae are present, one should consider an underlying genetic disorder. The histology of the fistulae mostly demonstrates ciliated columnar epithelium with the majority of specimens showing salivary tissue. There is a clear association with the internal jugular vein (IJV). Dissection should continue until superior to the hyoid bone, ensuring near complete surgical dissection and less risk of recurrence. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Tinnitus complaint behaviour in long-standing Menière's disorder: its association with the other cardinal symptoms.

    PubMed

    Yoshida, T; Stephens, D; Kentala, E; Levo, H; Auramo, Y; Poe, D; Pyykkö, I

    2011-10-01

    To explore factors that determines tinnitus complaint behaviour in patients with chronic long-standing Menière's disorder. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional investigation. This included the Oto-neurological questionnaire, the Hearing Disability and Handicap Scale (HDHS), Hearing Measurement Scale (HMS) on sound localisation and the Dizziness Handicap Questionnaire (DHQ). Randomly selected 183 members of the Finnish Menière's Federation. Postal questionnaire. International Tinnitus Inventory and impact of tinnitus. The 183 patients,[36 men and 147 women; mean age, 63 years] had their Meniere's disorder-like symptoms, with a mean of 18 years [range, 1-43], 19% of patients ranked tinnitus as their most severe symptom, and 10% experienced tinnitus as causing a severe or very severe impact. Regression analysis indicated that 41% of International Tinnitus Inventory variance and 28% of tinnitus impact variance were explained by the cardinal symptoms of Menière's disorder. Furthermore, 40% of International Tinnitus Inventory and 25% of tinnitus impact variance were explained by symptom-related disabilities (HDHS, HMS and DHQ). Aural pressure, hearing loss and gait problems were the most important predictors of tinnitus complaint. Understanding what people say and limitation of activities because of vertigo were the most important related disabilities. Tinnitus shares a significant variance with the other cardinal symptoms in patients with long-standing Menière's disorder. As the impact is significantly related to activity limitations based on hearing disability and vertigo, the results suggest that therapeutic efforts to reduce tinnitus in Menière's disorder should include the alleviation of balance and hearing problems. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  17. Microendoscopy of the eustachian tube and the middle ear

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hopf, Juergen U. G.; Linnarz, Marietta; Gundlach, Peter; Scherer, Hans H.; Lutze-Koffroth, C.; Loerke, S.; Voege, Karl H.; Tschepe, Johannes; Mueller, Gerhard J.

    1992-08-01

    Progressive miniaturization of flexible fiberoptic instruments has made it possible to perform atraumatic endoscopy of the Eustachian tube and tympanic cavity with an intact ear drum. By means of a special set of carrier- and balloon-catheters which are partly actively steerable, flexible microendoscopes with outside diameters of 290 - 700 micrometers are inserted through the nasal cavity into the nasopharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube and carefully advanced into the middle ear compartment under permanent direct visual control. Second generation microendoscopes with outside diameters of 750 to 1000 micrometers are equipped with a one- direction tip-steering mechanism which allows deflection up to 90 degrees. In addition to it, the use of two special types of four-function scopes (outside diameter: 1.6 mm and 1.8 mm) fitted with a one-lumen working channel are presented. This new technique of `Transnasal Tubo-Tympanoscopy' (TTT) only needs local anesthesia, normally is performed on an outpatient basis, and is indicated for the diagnosis of any disturbances of the sound conducting apparatus (ear drum and ossicular chain) like chronic otitis media and oto-sclerosis and of those sensorineural hearing disorders on which -- until today -- only the traditional surgical tympanoscopy could provide morphological information on the pathogenesis of the hearing loss, e.g., on assumed round window ruptures. By this minimal invasive and minimal traumatizing method pathological alterations of the ossicular chain as well as obstructions in the cartilaginous and the osseous part of the Eustachian tube can be directly visualized.

  18. Hearing loss and enlarged internal auditory canal in children.

    PubMed

    Santos, Saturnino; Domínguez, M Jesús; Cervera, Javier; Suárez, Alicia; Bueno, Antonio; Bartolomé, Margarita; López, Rafael

    2014-01-01

    Among the temporal bone abnormalities that can be found in the etiological study of paediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by imaging techniques, those related to the internal auditory canal (IAC) are the least frequent. The most prevalent of these abnormalities that is associated with SNHL is stenotic IAC due to its association with cochlear nerve deficiencies. Less frequent and less concomitant with SNHL is the finding of an enlarged IAC (>8mm). Retrospective and descriptive review of clinical associations, imaging, audiological patterns and treatment of 9 children with hearing loss and enlarged IAC in the period 1999 to 2012. Two groups of patients are described. The first, without association with vestibulocochlear dysplasias, consisted of: 2 patients with SNHL without other temporal bone or systemic abnormalities, one with bilateral mixed HL from chromosome 18q deletion, one with a genetic X-linked DFN3 hearing loss, one with unilateral hearing loss in neurofibromatosis type 2 with bilateral acoustic neuroma, and one with unilateral hearing loss with cochlear nerve deficiency. The second group, with association with vestibulocochlear dysplasias, was comprised of: one patient with moderate bilateral mixed hearing loss in branchio-oto-renal syndrome, one with profound unilateral SNHL with recurrent meningitis, and another with profound bilateral SNHL with congenital hypothyroidism. The presence of an enlarged IAC in children can be found in different clinical and audiological settings with relevancies that can range from life-threatening situations, such as recurrent meningitis, to isolated hearing loss with no other associations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

  19. Primary ciliary dyskinesia. Recent advances in diagnostics, genetics, and characterization of clinical disease.

    PubMed

    Knowles, Michael R; Daniels, Leigh Anne; Davis, Stephanie D; Zariwala, Maimoona A; Leigh, Margaret W

    2013-10-15

    Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous recessive disorder of motile cilia that leads to oto-sino-pulmonary diseases and organ laterality defects in approximately 50% of cases. The estimated incidence of PCD is approximately 1 per 15,000 births, but the prevalence of PCD is difficult to determine, primarily because of limitations in diagnostic methods that focus on testing ciliary ultrastructure and function. Diagnostic capabilities have recently benefitted from (1) documentation of low nasal nitric oxide production in PCD and (2) discovery of biallelic mutations in multiple PCD-causing genes. The use of these complementary diagnostic approaches shows that at least 30% of patients with PCD have normal ciliary ultrastructure. More accurate identification of patients with PCD has also allowed definition of a strong clinical phenotype, which includes neonatal respiratory distress in >80% of cases, daily nasal congestion and wet cough starting soon after birth, and early development of recurrent/chronic middle-ear and sinus disease. Recent studies, using advanced imaging and pulmonary physiologic assessments, clearly demonstrate early onset of lung disease in PCD, with abnormal air flow mechanics by age 6-8 years that is similar to cystic fibrosis, and age-dependent onset of bronchiectasis. The treatment of PCD is not standardized, and there are no validated PCD-specific therapies. Most patients with PCD receive suboptimal management, which should include airway clearance, regular surveillance of pulmonary function and respiratory microbiology, and use of antibiotics targeted to pathogens. The PCD Foundation is developing a network of clinical centers, which should improve diagnosis and management of PCD.

  20. Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Recent Advances in Diagnostics, Genetics, and Characterization of Clinical Disease

    PubMed Central

    Daniels, Leigh Anne; Davis, Stephanie D.; Zariwala, Maimoona A.; Leigh, Margaret W.

    2013-01-01

    Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous recessive disorder of motile cilia that leads to oto-sino-pulmonary diseases and organ laterality defects in approximately 50% of cases. The estimated incidence of PCD is approximately 1 per 15,000 births, but the prevalence of PCD is difficult to determine, primarily because of limitations in diagnostic methods that focus on testing ciliary ultrastructure and function. Diagnostic capabilities have recently benefitted from (1) documentation of low nasal nitric oxide production in PCD and (2) discovery of biallelic mutations in multiple PCD-causing genes. The use of these complementary diagnostic approaches shows that at least 30% of patients with PCD have normal ciliary ultrastructure. More accurate identification of patients with PCD has also allowed definition of a strong clinical phenotype, which includes neonatal respiratory distress in >80% of cases, daily nasal congestion and wet cough starting soon after birth, and early development of recurrent/chronic middle-ear and sinus disease. Recent studies, using advanced imaging and pulmonary physiologic assessments, clearly demonstrate early onset of lung disease in PCD, with abnormal air flow mechanics by age 6–8 years that is similar to cystic fibrosis, and age-dependent onset of bronchiectasis. The treatment of PCD is not standardized, and there are no validated PCD-specific therapies. Most patients with PCD receive suboptimal management, which should include airway clearance, regular surveillance of pulmonary function and respiratory microbiology, and use of antibiotics targeted to pathogens. The PCD Foundation is developing a network of clinical centers, which should improve diagnosis and management of PCD. PMID:23796196

  1. Formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) by ozonation of dyes and related compounds.

    PubMed

    Oya, Masami; Kosaka, Koji; Asami, Mari; Kunikane, Shoichi

    2008-12-01

    Formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) by ozonation of commercially available dyes and related compounds was investigated. Ozonation was conducted using a semi-batch type reactor, and ozone concentration in gas phase and the ozone gas flow were 10 mg L(-1) and 1.0 L min(-1), respectively. NDMA was formed by 15 min of ozonation of seven out of eight selected target compounds (0.05 mM) at pH 7. All the target compounds with N,N-dimethylamino functions were NDMA precursors in ozonation. The lowest and highest NDMA concentrations after ozonation of the target compounds were 13 ng L(-1) for N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and 1600 ng L(-1) for N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD), respectively. NDMA concentrations after 15 min of ozonation of 0.05 mM methylene blue (MB) and DMPD increased with an increase in pH in its range of 6-8. The effects of coexisting compounds on NDMA concentrations after 15 min of ozonation of 0.05 mM MB and DMPD were examined at pH 7. NDMA concentrations after ozonation of MB and DMPD increased by the presence of 0.05 mM (0.7 mg L(-1) as N) nitrite (NO(2)(-)); 5000 ng L(-1) for MB and 4000 ng L(-1) for DMPD. NDMA concentration after MB ozonation decreased by the presence of 5mM tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), a hydroxyl radical (HO.) scavenger, but that after DMPD ozonation was increased by the presence of TBA. NDMA concentrations after ozonation of MB and DMPD were not affected by the presence of 0.16 mM (5.3 mg L(-1)) hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). When 0.05 mM MB and DMPD were added to the Yodo and Tone river water samples, NDMA concentrations after 15 min of their ozonation at pH 7 increased compared with those in the case of addition to ultrapure water samples.

  2. Value of transmission electron microscopy for primary ciliary dyskinesia diagnosis in the era of molecular medicine: Genetic defects with normal and non-diagnostic ciliary ultrastructure.

    PubMed

    Shapiro, Adam J; Leigh, Margaret W

    2017-01-01

    Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disorder causing chronic oto-sino-pulmonary disease. No single diagnostic test will detect all PCD cases. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of respiratory cilia was previously considered the gold standard diagnostic test for PCD, but 30% of all PCD cases have either normal ciliary ultrastructure or subtle changes which are non-diagnostic. These cases are identified through alternate diagnostic tests, including nasal nitric oxide measurement, high-speed videomicroscopy analysis, immunofluorescent staining of axonemal proteins, and/or mutation analysis of various PCD causing genes. Autosomal recessive mutations in DNAH11 and HYDIN produce normal TEM ciliary ultrastructure, while mutations in genes encoding for radial spoke head proteins result in some cross-sections with non-diagnostic alterations in the central apparatus interspersed with normal ciliary cross-sections. Mutations in nexin link and dynein regulatory complex genes lead to a collection of different ciliary ultrastructures; mutations in CCDC65, CCDC164, and GAS8 produce normal ciliary ultrastructure, while mutations in CCDC39 and CCDC40 cause absent inner dynein arms and microtubule disorganization in some ciliary cross-sections. Mutations in CCNO and MCIDAS cause near complete absence of respiratory cilia due to defects in generation of multiple cellular basal bodies; however, the scant cilia generated may have normal ultrastructure. Lastly, a syndromic form of PCD with retinal degeneration results in normal ciliary ultrastructure through mutations in the RPGR gene. Clinicians must be aware of these genetic causes of PCD resulting in non-diagnostic TEM ciliary ultrastructure and refrain from using TEM of respiratory cilia as a test to rule out PCD.

  3. [Enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome. A review of 55 paediatric patients].

    PubMed

    Santos, Saturnino; Sgambatti, Luciano; Bueno, Antonio; Albi, Gustavo; Suárez, Alicia; Domínguez, Maria Jesús

    2010-01-01

    Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is the commonest congenital anomaly found with imaging techniques in paediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Our aim was to describe clinical and audiological findings in paediatric hearing loss associated to EVA. Retrospective review of 55 children with imaging-technique EVA findings from 2000 to 2009. Subjective and/or objective audiological tests were analysed and audiological findings related to clinical features were described. Thirty-seven patients (67.27%) showed bilateral EVA and 18 (32.72%) were unilateral. Hearing loss was bilateral in 46 (83.63%) patients and unilateral in 9 (16.36%). Mean age at diagnosis was 3.78 years. Fifty-three (96.36%) children showed SNHL (28 bilateral and profound), while 2 (3.63%) patients had mixed hearing loss. There were 3 cases of hearing loss progression, 2 fluctuations, 2 of them were asymmetric and 2 patients suffered from vestibular symptoms. Concomitant image findings were 6 cochlear hypoplasia, 2 enlarged internal auditory canals, 1 enlarged vestibule and 1 hypoplastic lateral semicircular canal. Six clinical syndromes were found (2 cases of Down's, and 1 each of Jacobsen, Pendred, Waardenburg and branchio-oto-renal). One child was positive for GJB2 mutation. Familial hearing loss was demonstrated on 12 (21.8%) cases. The clinical picture of hearing loss associated to EVA is characterised by great variability. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained mixed hearing loss. Familial and syndromic findings have to be taken into consideration in the diagnostic evaluations of such patients. Knowledge about the natural history of this illness is needed so as to give parents prognostic information. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

  4. Customized acoustic transform functions and their accuracy at predicting real-ear hearing aid performance.

    PubMed

    Munro, K J; Hatton, N

    2000-02-01

    The purpose of the study was to evaluate the validity of predicting the real-ear aided response by adding customized acoustic transform functions to the performance of a hearing aid in a 2-cc coupler. The real-ear hearing aid response, the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD/HA2), and field to behind-the-ear microphone transfer functions were measured in both ears of 24 normally hearing subjects using probe-tube microphone equipment. The RECD/HA2 transform function was obtained using both insert earphones and with the hearing aid/ pressure comparison method. An RECD/HA2 transfer function was also obtained with a customized earmold, ER-3A foam tip, and an oto-admittance tip. Validity estimates were calculated as the difference between the derived and measured real-ear response. The derived response was generally within 5 dB of the measured real-ear response when it incorporated an RECD/HA2 transform function obtained with a customized earmold for the specific ear in question. Discrepancies increased when the RECD/HA2 transfer function was obtained from the same subject but the opposite ear. There were significant differences between the RECD/HA2 transform function obtained with customized and temporary earmolds. As a result, the derived response incorporating these transforms differed significantly from the measured real-ear response obtained with the customized earmold. The insert earphone and the hearing aid RECD/HA2 transfer function were equally valid. The derived response may be used as a substitute for in situ hearing aid response procedures when it incorporates acoustic transform functions obtained with a customized earmold from the specific ear in question.

  5. Autosomal dominant transmission of a Goldenhar-like syndrome: Description of a family and report of a sporadic case with a de novo 4p16;8q24.11 translocation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Graganm H.N. Jr.; Hixon, H.; Bacino, C.A.

    1994-09-01

    We report vertical transmission of a Goldenhar-like syndrome, including a father and 5 offspring, with male-to-male transmission and variable features that include hearing loss, ear anomalies (microtia, ear tags/pits), branchial cysts, ocular/periocular dermoids, micrognathia and seizures. We also report an individual with an apparently balanced de novo reciprocal translocation with breakpoints at 4p16 and 8q24.11. This individual has unilateral microtia, an epibulbar dermoid cyst, facial asymmetry with a small chin, and seizures. In addition to these features resembling those seen in the family above, she has multiple exostoses, supraventricular tachycardia, hypoglycemia and mild developmental delays. Based on the overlap inmore » physical findings between this family and the individual with the de novo reciprocal translocation, linkage studies on the family were intiated. Preliminary results exclude linkage to HOX 7 at 4p16.1 but not to 8q. The brancho-oto-renal syndrome has previously been localized to 8q11-8q13, but linkage to this region appears unlikely. Although most cases of Goldenhar syndrome appear to be sporadic, there are a few reports of autosomal dominant inheritance (MIM No. 164210). One such family showed vertical transmission of dermoids, ear anomalies, hearing loss, micrognathia and vertebral anomalies, but no branchial cysts. Another family showed sensorineural deafness, preauricular pits, and branchial fistulae, and other families reveal ear anomalies, branchial fistulas, and hearing loss. These latter families appear to lack ocular/periocular dermoids, and appear to be affected by a different disorder (MIM No. 125100). Further clinical delineation of such families, combined with genetic linkage analysis, should help to sort out this heterogeneity.« less

  6. The European Working Time Directive and the effects on training of surgical specialists (doctors in training): a position paper of the surgical disciplines of the countries of the EU.

    PubMed

    Benes, V

    2006-11-01

    Legislation launched with the EWTD was born as a "Protection of the clinical personnel against overwork for the benefit of Patients" (consumer protection and safety). It appeared that this legislation is in direct and severe conflict with former EU legislation to train competent surgical specialists. First experiences with the EWTD show far reaching and serious consequences on the training of surgical specialists as well as on medical care. There will be a reduction of about 30-35% of clinical and operative experience acquired during the usual 6 yrs of training, with many other negative aspects (see p. 7). All measures proposed so far to overcome the ensuing problems are unworkable. The training of competent surgical specialists as required by the Directive 93/16 EEC is no longer possible and serious problems with safe patient care will occur in the short term, if no political actions are taken. The surgical specialties, represented in the UEMS, provide a proposal for a working hour model consisting of 48 hrs working time (incl. service duties) plus additional 12 hrs reserved and protected for teaching and training. This model would adhere to the EWTD on the one hand, yet maintain the desired standard of training. This proposed exemption from the EWTD would be limited to the time of specialist training. We ask the responsible politicians to find a solution rapidly to prevent serious negative consequences. This motion is supported by the surgical specialties (neurosurgery, general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, paediatric surgery, cardio-thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, oto-rhino-laryngology, list not complete) of the member states of the EU, representing more than 80,000 surgical specialists.

  7. Regulation of Six1 expression by evolutionarily conserved enhancers in tetrapods.

    PubMed

    Sato, Shigeru; Ikeda, Keiko; Shioi, Go; Nakao, Kazuki; Yajima, Hiroshi; Kawakami, Kiyoshi

    2012-08-01

    The Six1 homeobox gene plays critical roles in vertebrate organogenesis. Mice deficient for Six1 show severe defects in organs such as skeletal muscle, kidney, thymus, sensory organs and ganglia derived from cranial placodes, and mutations in human SIX1 cause branchio-oto-renal syndrome, an autosomal dominant developmental disorder characterized by hearing loss and branchial defects. The present study was designed to identify enhancers responsible for the dynamic expression pattern of Six1 during mouse embryogenesis. The results showed distinct enhancer activities of seven conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs) retained in tetrapod Six1 loci. The activities were detected in all cranial placodes (excluding the lens placode), dorsal root ganglia, somites, nephrogenic cord, notochord and cranial mesoderm. The major Six1-expression domains during development were covered by the sum of activities of these enhancers, together with the previously identified enhancer for the pre-placodal region and foregut endoderm. Thus, the eight CNSs identified in a series of our study represent major evolutionarily conserved enhancers responsible for the expression of Six1 in tetrapods. The results also confirmed that chick electroporation is a robust means to decipher regulatory information stored in vertebrate genomes. Mutational analysis of the most conserved placode-specific enhancer, Six1-21, indicated that the enhancer integrates a variety of inputs from Sox, Pax, Fox, Six, Wnt/Lef1 and basic helix-loop-helix proteins. Positive autoregulation of Six1 is achieved through the regulation of Six protein-binding sites. The identified Six1 enhancers provide valuable tools to understand the mechanism of Six1 regulation and to manipulate gene expression in the developing embryo, particularly in the sensory organs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Are ENT surgeons in the UK at risk of stress, psychological morbidities and burnout? A national questionnaire survey.

    PubMed

    Vijendren, Ananth; Yung, Matthew; Shiralkar, Uttam

    2018-02-01

    Work-related stress, psychological disorders and burnout are common occupational disorders affecting UK doctors. To date, there are no studies looking at these psychosocial morbidities amongst ENT surgeons worldwide. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI) were incorporated into a questionnaire on occupational diseases amongst ENT surgeons and distributed to the entire membership of ENT-UK. The survey study also acquired demographic data on grade of respondent, years of experience in ENT and subspecialty interest. We received 108 (8.1% response rate) appropriately filled GHQ-12 and 121 (9.0% response rate) aMBI questionnaires. 61 respondents (56.5%) on the GHQ-12 were at high risk of developing stress and psychological morbidity and 35 (28.9%) had high enough aMBI scores to suggested burnout. When comparing scores of both GHQ-12 and aMBI with grade of respondent, years of experience in ENT and subspecialty, statistical difference was only found on the risk of stress and psychiatric disorders amongst paediatric ENT surgeons (7 high risk vs 0 low risk, p = 0.02), however the number of these respondents was small (7 in total). Both questionnaires had been validated for use within our population. We found high incidence rates of stress and psychological morbidity (56.5%) and a burnout prevalence rate of 28.9% amongst our responding cohort of UK Oto-rhino-laryngologists. No meaningful differences were found between stress, psychological morbidity and burnout with grade of ENT surgeon, years of experience in ENT and subspecialty within ENT. Copyright © 2016 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Mazahua and Otomi Indigenous Populations from Estado de México Suggests a Distant Common Ancestry.

    PubMed

    González-Oliver, Angélica; Garfias-Morales, Ernesto; Smith, David Glenn; Quinto-Sánchez, Mirsha

    2017-07-01

    The indigenous Mazahua and Otomi have inhabited the same localities in Estado de México since pre-Columbian times. Their languages, Mazahua and Otomi, belong to the Oto-Manguean linguistic family, and although they share cultural traditions and a regional history that suggest close genetic relationships and common ancestry, the historical records concerning their origin are confusing. To understand the biological relationships between Mazahua and Otomi, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic variation. We identified the mtDNA haplogroups by restriction fragment length polymorphism typing and sequenced hypervariable region 1 of the mtDNA control region in 141 Mazahua and 100 Otomi. These results showed that Otomi exhibit a higher frequency of haplogroup A than B, whereas Mazahua exhibit the opposite pattern. In the Otomi EM population the most frequent subhaplogroups are, in order of frequency, A2, B2, and C1, whereas in the Mazahua 1 population they are B2, D1, and A2. The most frequent haplotypes (Ht) of haplogroups A and B are Ht2 (A) and Ht58 (B2g1) in Mazahua 1 and Ht8 (A2), Ht22 (A2ao1), and Ht53 (B2c2b) in Otomi EM. The genetic differences between the Mazahua 1 and Otomi EM suggest a distant shared ancestry and a moderate degree of maternal admixture that has not obscured the difference of their mtDNA patterns. These unexpected results suggest the Mazahua and Otomi probably descend from the same group but separated very early and admixed with other Mesoamerican populations before their arrival in Central Mexico. The historical evidence of conflicting relations between the Mazahua and Otomi and the almost nonexistence of marriage between them could be responsible for maintaining only a moderate degree of maternal admixture.

  10. Acoustic Issues in Human Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Clark, Jonathan B.

    2001-01-01

    NASA is concerned about acute effect of sound on crew performance on International Space Station (ISS), and is developing strategies to assess and reduce acute, chronic, and delayed effects of sound. High noise levels can cause headaches, irritation, fatigue, impaired sleep, headache, and tinnitus and have resulted in an inability to hear alarms. Speech intelligibility may be more impaired for crew understanding non-native language in a noisy environment. No hearing loss occurred, but significant effects on crew performance and communication occurred. Permanent Threshold Shifts (PTS) have not been observed in the US shuttle program. Russian specification for noise in spacecraft is 60 dBA (awake) and 50 dBA (asleep) while the U.S. noise specification on ISS is NC 50 (awake) and NC 40 (asleep) with a 85 dBA hazard limit. Background noise levels of ISS modules have measured 56-69 dBA. Treadmill exercise operations measure 77 dBA. Alarms are required to be 20 dBA above ambient. Hearing protection is recommended when noise exceeds 60 dB 24 hour Leq. Countermeasures include hearing protection and design/ engineering controls. Advanced composite materials with excellent low frequency attenuation properties could be applied as a barrier protection around noisy equipment, or used on personal protective equipment worn by the crew. Hearing protection countermeasures include foam ear inserts, passive muff headsets, and active noise reduction headsets. Oto-acoustic emissions (OAE) could be used to monitor effectiveness of hearing protection countermeasures and tailor hearing protection countermeasures to individual crewmembers. Micro-gravity, vibration, toxic fumes, air quality/composition, stress, temperature, physical exertion or some combination of the above factors may have interacted with moderate long-term noise exposure to cause significant hearing loss. Longitudinal studies will need to address what co-morbidity factors, such as radiation, toxicology, microgravity

  11. Assessment of rock musician's efferent system functioning using contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Prawin; Grover, Vibhu; Publius A, Sam; Sanju, Himanshu Kumar; Sinha, Sachchidanand

    2016-12-01

    Contralateral suppression of oto acoustic emission (OAE) is referred as activation of efferent system. Previous literature mentioned about the importance of contralateral suppression of OAEs as a tool to assess efferent system in different groups of population. There is dearth of literature to explore the efferent system function in experienced musicians exposed to rock music using TEOAEs and DPOAEs. Two groups of participant (14 rock musicians and 14 non-musicians) in the age range of 18-25 years were involved in the study. Contralateral suppression of TEOAEs and DPOAEs were measured using ILO (Version 6) in both groups. Descriptive statistics showed higher suppression of TEOAEs and DPOAEs in rock-musicians at most of the frequencies in comparison to non-musicians. For DPOAE measures, Mann Whitney U test results revealed significantly greater DPOAE suppression only at 1 kHz and 3 kHz in rock-musicians compared to non-musicians. For within group comparison, Kruskal Wallis test results revealed there were significant difference observed across most of the frequencies i.e. at 1 kHz, 3 kHz and 6 kHz. For TEOAE measures, Mann Whitney U test results revealed that only at 2 kHz, TEOAE suppression in rock-musician was significantly greater compared to non-musicians. Similarly, Kuskal Wallis test results revealed that within group there were no significant differences observed for most of the frequencies except 2 kHz. Based on the above finding, present study concludes that rock musicians are having better efferent system compared to non-musicians. No suppression effect at few frequencies probably indicates more vulnerability at those frequencies. Contralateral suppression of DPOAE shows more significant finding in comparison to contralateral suppression of TEOAEs in present study.

  12. Incudomalleal joint formation: the roles of apoptosis, migration and downregulation

    PubMed Central

    Amin, Susan; Matalova, Eva; Simpson, Carol; Yoshida, Hiroki; Tucker, Abigail S

    2007-01-01

    Background The middle ear of mammals is composed of three endochondrial ossicles, the stapes, incus and malleus. Joints link the malleus to the incus and the incus to the stapes. In the mouse the first arch derived malleus and incus are formed from a single Sox9 and Type II collagen expressing condensation that later subdivides to give rise to two separate ossicles. In contrast the stapes forms from a separate condensation derived from the second branchial arch. Fusion of the malleus and incus is observed in a number of human syndromes and results in conductive hearing loss. Understanding how this joint forms during normal development is thus an important step in furthering our understanding of such defects. Results We show that the developing incudomalleal joint is characterised by a lack of proliferation and discrete areas of apoptosis. Apoptosis has been suggested to aid in the removal of pre-cartilaginous cells from the joint region, allowing for the physical separation of the cartilaginous elements, however, we show that joint initiation is unaffected by blocking apoptosis. There is also no evidence of cell migration out of the presumptive joint region, as observed by labelling of joint and ossicle cells in culture. Using Type II collagen lacZ reporter mice, however, it is evident that cells in the presumptive joint region remain in place and downregulate cartilage markers. Conclusion The malleus and incus first appear as a single united condensation expressing early cartilage markers. The incudomalleal joint region forms by cells in the presumptive joint region switching off cartilage markers and turning on joint markers. Failure in this process may result in fusion of this joint, as observed in human syndromes such as Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome or Treacher Collins Syndrome. PMID:18053235

  13. [Necrotizing fasciitis: study of 17 cases presenting a low mortality rate].

    PubMed

    Kibadi, K; Forli, A; Martin Des Pallieres, T; Debus, G; Moutet, F; Corcella, D

    2013-04-01

    Necrotizing fasciitis is a hypodermis, muscular fascia then dermis necrotizing infection. The originality of this study is to present a series of necrotizing fasciitis treated and followed these last five years, and to compare the therapeutic results with those of the literature. We led a retrospective study on the patients treated for necrotizing fasciitis between 2005 and 2009 by bringing together the demographic and clinical data, the bacteriological examinations and the results of management. Follow-up data from these patients during period of study (five years) were notified. Seventeen patients were treated (11 men and six women). The average age of the patients was 52 years (ranging from 28 to 82 years). Risk factors of necrotizing fasciitis for our patients were: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (82.2%), cutaneous wound (76.4%), obesity (29.4%), oto-rhino-laryngologic diseases (23.5%), alcoholic and drug addicts (23.5%), and diabetis (11.7%). The most isolated and responsible germ was Streptococcus pyogenes in 75.5% of cases. Culture of specimens collected before antibiotic treatment showed that the bacterium was sensible to the antibiotics being administered (clindamycin in 70.5% of cases). The surgical management was early done with an average delay of 2.7 days (ranging from 1 to 15 days). We observed a low mortality rate (11.7%). One patient died during the period of follow-up after one year (average follow-up of 2.0 years; 1-3 years). Contrary to the data from the literature, this study presents a decrease of the mortality in necrotizing fasciitis with an early treatment and an adequate management. The precocity and the quality of surgical procedures as well as the presence of an underlying disease are determining factors for successful management of necrotizing fasciitis. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  14. Auditory and visual health after ten years of exposure to metal-on-metal hip prostheses: a cross-sectional study follow up.

    PubMed

    Prentice, Jennifer R; Blackwell, Christopher S; Raoof, Naz; Bacon, Paul; Ray, Jaydip; Hickman, Simon J; Wilkinson, J Mark

    2014-01-01

    Case reports of patients with mal-functioning metal-on-metal hip replacement (MoMHR) prostheses suggest an association of elevated circulating metal levels with visual and auditory dysfunction. However, it is unknown if this is a cumulative exposure effect and the impact of prolonged low level exposure, relevant to the majority of patients with a well-functioning prosthesis, has not been studied. Twenty four male patients with a well-functioning MoMHR and an age and time since surgery matched group of 24 male patients with conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA) underwent clinical and electrophysiological assessment of their visual and auditory health at a mean of ten years after surgery. Median circulating cobalt and chromium concentrations were higher in patients after MoMHR versus those with THA (P<0.0001), but were within the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (UK) investigation threshold. Subjective auditory tests including pure tone audiometric and speech discrimination findings were similar between groups (P>0.05). Objective assessments, including amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio of transient evoked and distortion product oto-acoustic emissions (TEOAE and DPOAE, respectively), were similar for all the frequencies tested (P>0.05). Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and cortical evoked response audiometry (ACR) were also similar between groups (P>0.05). Ophthalmological evaluations, including self-reported visual function by visual functioning questionnaire, as well as binocular low contrast visual acuity and colour vision were similar between groups (P>0.05). Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and macular volume measured by optical coherence tomography were also similar between groups (P>0.05). In the presence of moderately elevated metal levels associated with well-functioning implants, MoMHR exposure does not associate with clinically demonstrable visual or auditory dysfunction.

  15. Quality assessment of a new surgical simulator for neuroendoscopic training.

    PubMed

    Filho, Francisco Vaz Guimarães; Coelho, Giselle; Cavalheiro, Sergio; Lyra, Marcos; Zymberg, Samuel T

    2011-04-01

    Ideal surgical training models should be entirely reliable, atoxic, easy to handle, and, if possible, low cost. All available models have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of one or another will depend on the type of surgery to be performed. The authors created an anatomical model called the S.I.M.O.N.T. (Sinus Model Oto-Rhino Neuro Trainer) Neurosurgical Endotrainer, which can provide reliable neuroendoscopic training. The aim in the present study was to assess both the quality of the model and the development of surgical skills by trainees. The S.I.M.O.N.T. is built of a synthetic thermoretractable, thermosensible rubber called Neoderma, which, combined with different polymers, produces more than 30 different formulas. Quality assessment of the model was based on qualitative and quantitative data obtained from training sessions with 9 experienced and 13 inexperienced neurosurgeons. The techniques used for evaluation were face validation, retest and interrater reliability, and construct validation. The experts considered the S.I.M.O.N.T. capable of reproducing surgical situations as if they were real and presenting great similarity with the human brain. Surgical results of serial training showed that the model could be considered precise. Finally, development and improvement in surgical skills by the trainees were observed and considered relevant to further training. It was also observed that the probability of any single error was dramatically decreased after each training session, with a mean reduction of 41.65% (range 38.7%-45.6%). Neuroendoscopic training has some specific requirements. A unique set of instruments is required, as is a model that can resemble real-life situations. The S.I.M.O.N.T. is a new alternative model specially designed for this purpose. Validation techniques followed by precision assessments attested to the model's feasibility.

  16. A Genomic and Protein-Protein Interaction Analyses of Nonsyndromic Hearing Impairment in Cameroon Using Targeted Genomic Enrichment and Massively Parallel Sequencing.

    PubMed

    Lebeko, Kamogelo; Manyisa, Noluthando; Chimusa, Emile R; Mulder, Nicola; Dandara, Collet; Wonkam, Ambroise

    2017-02-01

    Hearing impairment (HI) is one of the leading causes of disability in the world, impacting the social, economic, and psychological well-being of the affected individual. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa, which carries one of the highest burdens of this condition. Despite this, there are limited data on the most prevalent genes or mutations that cause HI among sub-Saharan Africans. Next-generation technologies, such as targeted genomic enrichment and massively parallel sequencing, offer new promise in this context. This study reports, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, on the prevalence of novel mutations identified through a platform of 116 HI genes (OtoSCOPE ® ), among 82 African probands with HI. Only variants OTOF NM_194248.2:c.766-2A>G and MYO7A NM_000260.3:c.1996C>T, p.Arg666Stop were found in 3 (3.7%) and 5 (6.1%) patients, respectively. In addition and uniquely, the analysis of protein-protein interactions (PPI), through interrogation of gene subnetworks, using a custom script and two databases (Enrichr and PANTHER), and an algorithm in the igraph package of R, identified the enrichment of sensory perception and mechanical stimulus biological processes, and the most significant molecular functions of these variants pertained to binding or structural activity. Furthermore, 10 genes (MYO7A, MYO6, KCTD3, NUMA1, MYH9, KCNQ1, UBC, DIAPH1, PSMC2, and RDX) were identified as significant hubs within the subnetworks. Results reveal that the novel variants identified among familial cases of HI in Cameroon are not common, and PPI analysis has highlighted the role of 10 genes, potentially important in understanding HI genomics among Africans.

  17. Current diagnostic procedures for diagnosing vertigo and dizziness

    PubMed Central

    Walther, Leif Erik

    2017-01-01

    Vertigo is a multisensory syndrome that otolaryngologists are confronted with every day. With regard to the complex functions of the sense of orientation, vertigo is considered today as a disorder of the sense of direction, a disturbed spatial perception of the body. Beside the frequent classical syndromes for which vertigo is the leading symptom (e.g. positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, Menière’s disease), vertigo may occur as main or accompanying symptom of a multitude of ENT-related diseases involving the inner ear. It also concerns for example acute and chronic viral or bacterial infections of the ear with serous or bacterial labyrinthitis, disorders due to injury (e.g. barotrauma, fracture of the oto-base, contusion of the labyrinth), chronic-inflammatory bone processes as well as inner ear affections in the perioperative course. In the last years, diagnostics of vertigo have experienced a paradigm shift due to new diagnostic possibilities. In the diagnostics of emergency cases, peripheral and central disorders of vertigo (acute vestibular syndrome) may be differentiated with simple algorithms. The introduction of modern vestibular test procedures (video head impulse test, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials) in the clinical practice led to new diagnostic options that for the first time allow a complex objective assessment of all components of the vestibular organ with relatively low effort. Combined with established methods, a frequency-specific assessment of the function of vestibular reflexes is possible. New classifications allow a clinically better differentiation of vertigo syndromes. Modern radiological procedures such as for example intratympanic gadolinium application for Menière’s disease with visualization of an endolymphatic hydrops also influence current medical standards. Recent methodical developments significantly contributed to the possibilities that nowadays vertigo can be better and more quickly clarified in particular in

  18. Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder in late preterm and term infants with severe jaundice.

    PubMed

    Saluja, Satish; Agarwal, Asha; Kler, Neelam; Amin, Sanjiv

    2010-11-01

    To evaluate if severe jaundice is associated with acute auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder in otherwise healthy late preterm and term neonates. In a prospective observational study, all neonates who were admitted with severe jaundice at which exchange transfusion may be indicated as per American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines had comprehensive auditory evaluation performed before discharge to home. Neonates with infection, perinatal asphyxia, chromosomal disorders, cranio-facial malformations, or family history of childhood hearing loss were excluded. Comprehensive auditory evaluations (tympanometry, oto-acoustic emission tests, and auditory brainstem evoked responses) were performed by an audiologist unaware of the severity of jaundice. Total serum bilirubin and serum albumin were measured at the institutional chemistry laboratory using the Diazo and Bromocresol purple method, respectively. A total of 13 neonates with total serum bilirubin concentration at which exchange transfusion is indicated as per American Academy of Pediatrics were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over 3 month period. Six out of 13 neonates (46%) had audiological findings of acute auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. There was no significant difference in gestational age, birth weight, hemolysis, serum albumin concentration, peak total serum bilirubin concentrations, and peak bilirubin:albumin molar ratio between six neonates who developed acute auditory neuropathy and seven neonates who had normal audiological findings. Only two out of six infants with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder had clinical signs and symptoms of acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Our findings strongly suggest that auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder is a common manifestation of acute bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity in late preterm and term infants with severe jaundice. Our findings also suggest that comprehensive auditory evaluations should be routinely performed in neonates with severe

  19. Geology and mineral deposits of an area in the Departments of Antioquia and Caldas (Subzone IIB), Colombia

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Feininger, Tomas; Barrero L., Dario; Castro, Nestor; Hall, R.B.

    1973-01-01

    The Inventario Minero National (IMN), a four-year cooperative geologic mapping and mineral resources appraisal project, was accomplished under an agreement between the Republic of Colombia and the U. S. Agency for International Development from 1964 through 1969. Subzone IIB, consisting essentially of the east half of Zone comprises nearly 20,000 km2 principally in the Department of Antioquia but including also small parts of the Departments of Caldas and Tolima. The rocks in IIB range from Precambrian to Holocene. Precambrian feldspar-quartz gneiss occupies a mosaic of fault-bounded blocks intruded by igneous rocks between the Oto fault and the Rio Magdalena. Paleozoic rocks are extensive, and include lightly metamorphosed graptolite-bearing Ordovician shale at Cristalina, and a major suite of graphitic quartz-mica schist, feldspathic and aluminous gneiss, quartzite, marble, amphibolite, and other rocks. Syntectonic intrusive gneiss included many of the older rocks during a late Paleozoic(?) orogeny, which was accompanied by Abukuma-type metamorphosing from lowermost greenschist to upper amphibolite facies. A Jurassic diorite pluton bounded by faults cuts volcanic rocks of unknown age east of the Otu fault. Cretaceous rocks are major units. Middle Cretaceous carbonaceous shale, sandstone, graywacke, conglomerate, and volcanic rocks are locally prominent. The Antioquian batholith (quartz diorite) of Late Cretaceous age cuts the middle Cretaceous and older rocks. A belt of Tertiary nonmarine clastic sedimentary rocks crops out along the Magdalena Valley. Patches of Tertiary alluvium are locally preserved in the mountains. Quaternary alluvium, much of it auriferous, is widespread in modern stream valleys. Structurally IIB constitutes part of a vast complex synclinorium intruded concordantly by syntectonic catazonal or mesozonal felsic plutons, and by the later epizonal post-tectonic Antioquian batholith. Previously unrecognized major wrench faults are outstanding

  20. An Attempt of Early Detection of Poor Outcome after Whiplash

    PubMed Central

    Laporte, Sebastien; Wang, Danping; Lecompte, Jennyfer; Blancho, Sophie; Sandoz, Baptiste; Feydy, Antoine; Lindberg, Pavel; Adrian, Julien; Chiarovano, Elodie; de Waele, Catherine; Vidal, Pierre-Paul

    2016-01-01

    The main concern with whiplash is that a large proportion of whiplash patients experience disabling symptoms or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) for months if not years following the accident. Therefore, identifying early prognostic factors of WAD development is important as WAD have widespread clinical and economic consequences. In order to tackle that question, our study was specifically aimed at combining several methods of investigation in the same WAD patients at the acute stage and 6 months later. Our longitudinal, open, prospective, multi-center study included 38 whiplash patients, and 13 healthy volunteers matched for age, gender, and socio-economic status with the whiplash group. Whiplash patients were evaluated 15–21 days after road accident, and 6 months later. At each appointment, patients underwent a neuropsychological evaluation, a full clinical neurological examination, neurophysiological and postural tests, oto-neurological tests, cervical spine cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with tractography (DTI). At 6 months, whiplash patients were categorized into two subgroups based on the results of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as having either favorable or unfavorable progression [an unfavorable classification corresponding to the presence of post-concussion symptom (PCS)] and we searched retrospectively for early prognostic factors of WAD predicting the passage to chronicity. We found that patients displaying high level of catastrophizing at the acute stage and/or post-traumatic stress disorder associated with either abnormalities in head or trunk kinematics, abnormal test of the otolithic function and at the Equitest or a combination of these syndromes, turned to chronicity. This study suggests that low-grade whiplash patients should be submitted as early as possible after the trauma to neuropsychological and motor control tests in a specialized consultation. In addition, they should be evaluated by a neuro

  1. Continuous exposure to low-frequency noise and carbon disulfide: Combined effects on hearing.

    PubMed

    Venet, Thomas; Carreres-Pons, Maria; Chalansonnet, Monique; Thomas, Aurélie; Merlen, Lise; Nunge, Hervé; Bonfanti, Elodie; Cosnier, Frédéric; Llorens, Jordi; Campo, Pierre

    2017-09-01

    Carbon disulfide (CS 2 ) is used in industry; it has been shown to have neurotoxic effects, causing central and distal axonopathies.However, it is not considered cochleotoxic as it does not affect hair cells in the organ of Corti, and the only auditory effects reported in the literature were confined to the low-frequency region. No reports on the effects of combined exposure to low-frequency noise and CS 2 have been published to date. This article focuses on the effects on rat hearing of combined exposure to noise with increasing concentrations of CS 2 (0, 63,250, and 500ppm, 6h per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks). The noise used was a low-frequency noise ranging from 0.5 to 2kHz at an intensity of 106dB SPL. Auditory function was tested using distortion product oto-acoustic emissions, which mainly reflects the cochlear performances. Exposure to noise alone caused an auditory deficit in a frequency area ranging from 3.6 to 6 kHz. The damaged area was approximately one octave (6kHz) above the highest frequency of the exposure noise (2.8kHz); it was a little wider than expected based on the noise spectrum.Consequently, since maximum hearing sensitivity is located around 8kHz in rats, low-frequency noise exposure can affect the cochlear regions detecting mid-range frequencies. Co-exposure to CS 2 (250-ppm and over) and noise increased the extent of the damaged frequency window since a significant auditory deficit was measured at 9.6kHz in these conditions.Moreover, the significance at 9.6kHz increased with the solvent concentrations. Histological data showed that neither hair cells nor ganglion cells were damaged by CS 2 . This discrepancy between functional and histological data is discussed. Like most aromatic solvents, carbon disulfide should be considered as a key parameter in hearing conservation régulations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Branchio-otic syndrome caused by a genomic rearrangement: clinical findings and molecular cytogenetic studies in a patient with a pericentric inversion of chromosome 8.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, T; Bierhals, T; Kortüm, F; Bartels, I; Liehr, T; Burfeind, P; Shoukier, M; Frank, V; Bergmann, C; Kutsche, K

    2014-01-01

    Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal dominantly inherited developmental disorder, which is characterized by anomalies of the ears, the branchial arches and the kidneys. It is caused by mutations in the genes EYA1,SIX1 and SIX5. Genomic rearrangements of chromosome 8 affecting the EYA1 gene have also been described. Owing to this fact, methods for the identification of abnormal copy numbers such as multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) have been introduced as routine laboratory techniques for molecular diagnostics of BOR syndrome. The advantages of these techniques are clear compared to standard cytogenetic and array approaches as well as Southern blot. MLPA detects deletions or duplications of a part or the entire gene of interest, but not balanced structural aberrations such as inversions and translocations. Consequently, disruption of a gene by a genomic rearrangement may escape detection by a molecular genetic analysis, although this gene interruption results in haploinsufficiency and, therefore, causes the disease. In a patient with clinical features of BOR syndrome, such as hearing loss, preauricular fistulas and facial dysmorphisms, but no renal anomalies, neither sequencing of the 3 genes linked to BOR syndrome nor array comparative genomic hybridization and MLPA were able to uncover a causative mutation. By routine cytogenetic analysis, we finally identified a pericentric inversion of chromosome 8 in the affected female. High-resolution multicolor banding confirmed the chromosome 8 inversion and narrowed down the karyotype to 46,XX,inv(8)(p22q13). By applying fluorescence in situ hybridization, we narrowed down both breakpoints on chromosome 8 and found the EYA1 gene in q13.3 to be directly disrupted. We conclude that standard karyotyping should not be neglected in the genetic diagnostics of BOR syndrome or other Mendelian disorders, particularly when molecular testing failed to detect any causative alteration in patients with

  3. [Recurrent upper respiratory tract obstruction in children].

    PubMed

    Sacre Hazouri, J A

    1999-01-01

    The systematic approach of the pediatric patient with recurrent upper airway obstruction (RUAO) must be based on a through clinical history, physical examination, and the adequate use of the laboratory and diagnostic procedures, which must complement the correct identification of the causes of UAO and its interrelation with comorbid conditions as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and adenoiditis, with or without significant hypertrophy. this work, is to propose the study protocol of the patient with recurrent upper airway obstruction used in our own Instituto Privado de Alergia, Inmunología y Vías Respiratorias. We studied in a prospective fashion, a cohort of 117 pediatric patients, 12 years old and under, with clinical complaints of RUAO. 2/3 of these patients had a suggestive cytology pattern of nasal allergy and infection at the same time, following the method proposed by Dr. Alfredo Jalowayski from UC San Diego. The use of conventional radiology (lateral neck x ray) in the diagnosis of hypertrophy/hyperplasia of adenoidal tissue is useful and give us an orientation regarding the adenoidal size in 75% of the patients; nevertheless, it should not be considered as the most sensible diagnostic procedure to decide the best therapeutic option. If this study shows a decrease in diameter of the airway between the hard palate and the adenoidal shadow of 20% or more, we should proceeded with a flexible rhinopharyngoscopy to evaluate not only the real size of the adenoidal tissue, its mucosal appearance and its relation within the posterior pharynx with the Eustaquian tube (oto-pharyngeal tube-OPT). The endoscopic procedure is easy to perform, even in small children and showed us that almost half of the patients with abnormal lateral X-ray, have at least some degree of OFT obstruction. Aside from these results, the nasopharyngoscope give us useful information about comorbid and or existing conditions such as allergic rhintis, nasal polyposis, status of the osteomeatal

  4. Res-E Support Policies in the Baltic States: Electricity Price Aspect (Part II)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bobinaite, V.; Priedite, I.

    2015-04-01

    Increasing volumes of electricity derived from renewable energy sources (RES-E) affect the electricity market prices and the prices for final electricity consumers in the Baltic States. The results of a multivariate regression analysis show that in 2013 the RES-E contributed to decreasing the electricity market prices in the Baltic States. However, the final electricity consumers pay for the promotion of RES-E through the approved RES-E component which has a tendency to increase. It is estimated that in 2013 the net benefits from the wind electricity promotion were achieved in Lithuania and Latvia while the net cost - in Estonia. This suggests that the economic efficiency of the wind electricity support scheme based on the application of feed-in tariffs was higher than that based on the feed-in premium. Rakstā analizēta elektroenerģijas ražošanas no atjaunojamiem energoresursiem (AER-E) palielināšanas ietekme uz elektroenerģijas tirgus cenu un gala cenu elektroenerģijas lietotājiem Baltijas valstīs. Daudzfaktoru regresijas analīzes rezultāti atklāja, ka AER-E 2013. gadā varētu samazināt elektroenerģijas tirgus cenas Baltijas valstīs. Tomēr jāņem vērā, ka elektroenerģijas lietotāja gala cenā ir iekļauta AER-E atbalsta komponente, kurai ir raksturīgi palielināties. Aprēķināts, ka no vēja elektroenerģijas ražošanas Latvijā un Lietuvā tika iegūta tīrā peļņa, bet Igaunijā tikai nosedza pašizmaksu. Tas liecina, ka vēja elektroenerģijas atbalsta shēmai, kas balstīta uz obligātā iepirkuma atbalsta principu, ir augstāka ekonomiskā efektivitāte, nekā atbalsta shēmai, kas balstīta uz piemaksu par no AER saražoto elektroenerģiju obligātā iepirkuma ietvaros.

  5. 5'-Phosphorothiolate Dinucleotide Cap Analogues: Reagents for Messenger RNA Modification and Potent Small-Molecular Inhibitors of Decapping Enzymes.

    PubMed

    Wojtczak, Blazej A; Sikorski, Pawel J; Fac-Dabrowska, Kaja; Nowicka, Anna; Warminski, Marcin; Kubacka, Dorota; Nowak, Elzbieta; Nowotny, Marcin; Kowalska, Joanna; Jemielity, Jacek

    2018-05-09

    The 5' cap consists of 7-methylguanosine (m 7 G) linked by a 5'-5'-triphosphate bridge to messenger RNA (mRNA) and acts as the master regulator of mRNA turnover and translation initiation in eukaryotes. Cap analogues that influence mRNA translation and turnover (either as small molecules or as part of an RNA transcript) are valuable tools for studying gene expression, which is often also of therapeutic relevance. Here, we synthesized a series of 15 dinucleotide cap (m 7 GpppG) analogues containing a 5'-phosphorothiolate (5'-PSL) moiety (i.e., an O-to-S substitution within the 5'-phosphoester) and studied their biological properties in the context of three major cap-binding proteins: translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and two decapping enzymes, DcpS and Dcp2. While the 5'-PSL moiety was neutral or slightly stabilizing for cap interactions with eIF4E, it significantly influenced susceptibility to decapping. Replacing the γ-phosphoester with the 5'-PSL moiety (γ-PSL) prevented β-γ-pyrophosphate bond cleavage by DcpS and conferred strong inhibitory properties. Combining the γ-PSL moiety with α-PSL and β-phosphorothioate (PS) moiety afforded first cap-derived hDcpS inhibitor with low nanomolar potency. Susceptibility to Dcp2 and translational properties were studied after incorporation of the new analogues into mRNA transcripts by RNA polymerase. Transcripts containing the γ-PSL moiety were resistant to cleavage by Dcp2. Surprisingly, superior translational properties were observed for mRNAs containing the α-PSL moiety, which were Dcp2-susceptible. The overall protein expression measured in HeLa cells for this mRNA was comparable to mRNA capped with the translation augmenting β-PS analogue reported previously. Overall, our study highlights 5'-PSL as a synthetically accessible cap modification, which, depending on the substitution site, can either reduce susceptibility to decapping or confer superior translational properties on the mRNA. The 5'-PSL

  6. Quantification of solute entry into cochlear perilymph through the round window membrane.

    PubMed

    Salt, A N; Ma, Y

    2001-04-01

    The administration of drugs to the inner ear via the round window membrane is becoming more widely used for both clinical and experimental purposes. The actual drug levels achieved in different regions of the inner ear by this method have not been established. The present study has made use of simulations of solute movements in the cochlear fluids to describe the distribution of a marker solute in the guinea pig cochlear fluid spaces. Simulation parameters were derived from experimental measurements using a marker ion, trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA). The distribution of this ion in the cochlea was monitored without volume disturbance using TMPA-selective microelectrodes sealed into the first and second turns of scala tympani (ST). TMPA was applied to perilymph by irrigation of the intact round window membrane with 2 mM solution. At the end of a 90 min application period, TMPA in the first turn, 1.4 mm from the base of ST, reached an average concentration of 330 microM (standard deviation (S.D.) 147 microM, n = 8). TMPA in the second turn, 7.5 mm from the base of ST reached a concentration of 15 microM (S.D. 33 microM, n = 5). The measured time courses of TMPA concentration change were interpreted using the Washington University Cochlear Fluids Simulator (V 1.4), a public-domain program available on the internet at http ://oto.wustl.edu/cochlea/. Simulations with parameters producing concentration time courses comparable to those measured were: (1) round window permeability: 1.9 x 10(-80 cm/s; (2) ST clearance half-time: 60 min; (3) longitudinal perilymph flow rate: 4.4 nl/min, directed from base to apex. Solute concentrations in apical regions of the cochlea were found to be determined primarily by the rate at which the solute diffuses, balanced by the rate of clearance of the solute from perilymph. Longitudinal perilymph flow was not an important factor in solute distribution unless the bony otic capsule was perforated, which rapidly caused substantial changes to

  7. Position paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology – Current state of clinical and endoscopic diagnostics, evaluation, and therapy of swallowing disorders in children

    PubMed Central

    Arens, Christoph; Herrmann, Ingo F.; Rohrbach, Saskia; Schwemmle, Cornelia; Nawka, Tadeus

    2015-01-01

    Swallowing disorders are frequent. The main concern is mortality due to aspiration-induced pneumonia and malnutrition. In addition, quality of life is severely affected. The demographic trend indicates an increase of dysphagia in the future. Neurodegenerative diseases, tumors of the digestive tract, and sequelae of tumor treatment in the head and neck region are the main pathologic entities. Predominantly ENT physicians and phoniatricians are asked for diagnostics and therapy, and will coordinate the interdisciplinary treatment according to the endoscopic findings. A differentiated approach in history, diagnostics, and symptom-oriented treatment is necessary for these mostly complex disorders. Integration of non-medical staff such as speech therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in planning and executing an effective therapy expands and completes the patient-oriented care. Conservative treatment by these therapists is an important pillar in the treatment. Parts of the specific diagnostics can be taken over in close cooperation. In particular, an interdisciplinary cooperation with the staff of intensive care medicine is essential. The diagnostic procedures of specific endoscopy as described in this position paper are part of the primary and fundamental tasks of ENT specialists and phoniatrists. Endoscopy is a medical service that is basically not delegable. Consequently, substitution of the physician is excluded. PMID:26770277

  8. Thirteenth workshop on geothermal reservoir engineering: Proceedings

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ramey, H.J. Jr.; Kruger, P.; Horne, R.N.

    1988-01-21

    PREFACE The Thirteenth Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering was held at Stanford University on January 19-21, 1988. Although 1987 continued to be difficult for the domestic geothermal industry, world-wide activities continued to expand. Two invited presentations on mature geothermal systems were a keynote of the meeting. Malcolm Grant presented a detailed review of Wairakei, New Zealand and highlighted plans for new development. G. Neri summarized experience on flow rate decline and well test analysis in Larderello, Italy. Attendance continued to be high with 128 registered participants. Eight foreign countries were represented: England, France, Iceland, Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico andmore » The Philippines. A discussion of future workshops produced a strong recommendation that the Stanford Workshop program continue for the future. There were forty-one technical presentations at the Workshop. All of these are published as papers in this Proceedings volume. Four technical papers not presented at the Workshop are also published. In addition to these forty five technical presentations or papers, the introductory address was given by Henry J. Ramey, Jr. from the Stanford Geothermal Program. The Workshop Banquet speaker was Gustavo Calderon from the Inter-American Development Bank. We thank him for sharing with the Workshop participants a description of the Bank???s operations in Costa Rica developing alternative energy resources, specifically Geothermal, to improve the country???s economic basis. His talk appears as a paper in the back of this volume. The chairmen of the technical sessions made an important contribution to the workshop. Other than Stanford faculty members they included: J. Combs, G. T. Cole, J. Counsil, A. Drenick, H. Dykstra, K. Goyal, P. Muffler, K. Pruess, and S. K. Sanyal. The Workshop was organized by the Stanford Geothermal Program faculty, staff and students. We would like to thank Marilyn King, Pat Oto, Terri Ramey, Bronwyn

  9. Effects of Aging Quartz Sand and Hanford Site Sediment with Sodium Hydroxide on Radionuclide Sorption Coefficients and Sediment Physical and Hydrologic Properties: Final Report for Subtask 2a

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    DI Kaplan; JC Ritter; KE Parker

    1998-12-04

    Column and batch experiments were conducted in fiscal year 1998 at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to evaluate the effect of varying concentrations of NaOH on the sorptive, physical, and hydraulic properties of two media, a quartz sand and a composite subsurface sediment from the 200-East Area of the Hanford Site. The NaOH solutions were used as a simplified effluent from a low-activity glass waste form. These experiments were conducted over a limited (O-to 10-month) contact time, with respect to the 10,000-to 100,000-year scenarios described in the Immobilized Low-Activity Waste- Performance Assessment (ILAW-PA). Wheq these two solids were put in contactmore » with the NaOH solutions, dissolution was evident by a substantial increase in dissolved Si concentrations in the leachates. Incremental increases in NaOH con- centrations, resulted in corresponding increases in Si concentrations. A number of physical and hydraulic properties also changed as the NaOH concentrations were changed. It was observed that quartz sand was less reactive than the composite sediment. Further, moisture- retention measurements were made on the quartz sand and composite sedimen$ which showed that the NaOH-treated solids retained more water than the non-NaOH-treated solids. Because the other chemical, physical, and hydraulic measurements did not change dramatically after the high-NaOH treatments, the greater moisture retention of the high-NaOH treatments was attributed to a "salt effect" and not to the formation of small particles during the dissolution (weathering). The distribution coefficients (IQ) for Cs and Sr were measured on the NaOH-treated sediments, with decreases from -3,000 to 1,000 and 1,300 to 300 mL/g noted, respectively, at the 0.01-to 1.O-M NaOH levels. There was no apparent trend for the Sr & values with contact time. The lack of such a trend sug- gests that dissolution of sediment particles is not controlling the drop in IQ rather, it is the competition of the

  10. Crystal structures of K2[XSi5O12] (X = Fe2+, Co, Zn) and Rb2[XSi5O12] (X = Mn) leucites: comparison of monoclinic P21/c and Ia{\\overline 3}d polymorph structures and inverse relationship between tetrahedral cation (T = Si and X)-O bond distances and intertetrahedral T-O-T angles.

    PubMed

    Bell, Anthony M T; Henderson, C Michael B

    2018-06-01

    been used to develop equations to predict intertetrahedral T-O-T angle variation depending on the independent variables Si-O and X-O bond lengths, cavity cation ideal radius, intratetrahedral (O-T-O) angle variance, and X cation electronegativity.

  11. Carbon disulfide potentiates the effects of impulse noise on the organ of Corti.

    PubMed

    Carreres Pons, Maria; Chalansonnet, Monique; Venet, Thomas; Thomas, Aurélie; Nunge, Hervé; Merlen, Lise; Cosnier, Frédéric; Llorens, Jordi; Campo, Pierre

    2017-03-01

    Occupational noise can damage workers' hearing, and the phenomenon is even more dangerous when noise is associated with an ototoxic solvent. Aromatic solvents are known to provoke chemical-induced hearing loss, but little is known about the effects on hearing of carbon disulfide (CS 2 ) when combined with noise. Co-exposure to CS 2 and noise may have a harmful effect on hearing, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. For instance, CS 2 is not thought to have a cochleotoxic effect, but rather it is thought to cause retrocochlear hearing impairment. In other words, CS 2 could have a distal neuropathic effect on the auditory pathway. However, a possible pharmacological effect of CS 2 on the central nervous system (CNS) has never been mentioned in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess, in rats, the effects of a noise (continuous vs. impulse), associated with a low concentration of CS 2 [(short-term threshold limit value) x 10 as a safety factor] on the peripheral auditory receptor. The noise, whatever its nature, was an octave band noise centered at 8kHz, and the 250-ppm CS 2 exposure lasted 15min per hour, 6h per day, for 5 consecutive days. The impact of the different experimental conditions on hearing loss was assessed using distortion product oto-acoustic emissions and histological analyses. Although the LEX,8h (8-h time-weighted average exposure) for the impulse noise was lower (84dB SPL) than that for the continuous noise (89dB SPL), it appeared more damaging to the organ of Corti, in particular to the outer hair cells. CS 2 exposure alone did not have any effect on the organ of Corti, but co-exposure to continuous noise with CS 2 was less damaging than exposure to continuous noise alone. In contrast, the cochleo-traumatic effects of impulse noise were significantly enhanced by co-exposure to CS 2 . Therefore, CS 2 can clearly modulate the middle-ear reflex function. In fact, CS 2 may have two distinct effects: firstly, it has a

  12. High-pressure behavior of cuprospinel CuFe 2O 4: Influence of the Jahn-Teller effect on the spinel structure

    DOE PAGES

    Kyono, Atsushi; Gramsch, Stephen A.; Nakamoto, Yuki; ...

    2015-08-14

    The Jahn-Teller-effect at Cu 2+ in cuprospinel CuFe 2O 4 was investigated using high-pressure, single crystal synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques at beamline BL10A at the Photon Factory, KEK, Japan. Six data sets were collected in the pressure range from ambient to 5.9 GPa at room temperature. Structural refinements based on the data were performed at 0.0, 1.8, 2.7, and 4.6 GPa. The unit cell volume of cuprospinel decreases continuously from 590.8 (6) Å 3 to 579.5 (8) Å 3 up to 3.8 GPa. Leastsquares fitting to a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state yields zero-pressure volume V 0 = 590.7more » (1) Å 3 and bulk modulus K 0 = 188.1 (4.4) GPa with K’ fixed at 4.0. The crystal chemical composition determined by electron-probe analysis and x-ray site-occupancy refinement is represented as [Cu 0.526Fe 0.474] [6][Cu 0.074Fe 1.926]O 4. Most of the Cu 2+ are preferentially distributed onto the tetrahedral (T) site of the spinel structure. At 4.6 GPa, a cubic-tetragonal phase transition is indicated by a splitting of the a axis of the cubic structure into a smaller a axis and a longer c axis, with unit cell parameters a = 5.882 (1) Å and c = 8.337 (1) Å. The tetragonal crystal structure with space group I4 1/amd was refined to R1 = 0.0182 and wR2 = 0.0134 using observed 35 x-ray reflections. At the T site, the tetrahedral O-T-O bond angles along the c-axis direction of the unit cell decreases slightly from 109.47 ° to 108.7 (4) °, which generates a stretched tetrahedral geometry along the c-axis. The cubic-totetragonal transition induced by the Jahn-Teller effect at Cu 2+ is attributable to the angular distortion at the tetrahedral site. At the octahedral (M) site, on the other hand, the two M-O bonds parallel to the caxis are shortened with respect to the four M-O bonds parallel to the ab-plane, which are lengthened as a result of the phase transition, leading to a compressed octahedral geometry along the c-axis. With the competing distortions

  13. Prediction of seasonal water-table fluctuations in La Pampa and Buenos Aires, Argentina

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanco, Raúl; Kruse, Eduardo

    2001-07-01

    ícola de la región, ya que está íntimamente relacionada con la alternancia de períodos secos y húmedos. Se ha utilizado las anomalías de la temperatura superficial del mar (TSM) para predecir las variables atmosféricas en diferentes áreas del mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un modelo sencillo para pronosticar la precipitación estacional por medio de la distribución de TSM en el Océano Pacífico. Una vez establecida la relación entre la precipitación y las fluctuaciones del nivel freático, se desarrolló una metodología para predecir las fluctuaciones de éste. Se obtuvo un buen ajuste entre las fluctuaciones predichas y observadas del nivel freático en las estaciones de verano y otoño.

  14. Deep ALMA imaging of the merger NGC 1614. Is CO tracing a massive inflow of non-starforming gas?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    König, S.; Aalto, S.; Muller, S.; Gallagher, J. S.; Beswick, R. J.; Xu, C. K.; Evans, A.

    2016-10-01

    high 12CO luminosity. In the inner 1.5 kpc, the gas is compressed into denser and most likely self-gravitating clouds (traced by CN and CS emission), allowing it to power the intense central starburst. We find a high 16O-to-18O abundance ratio in the starburst region (≥900), typical of quiescent disk gas. This is surprising because by now, the starburst is expected to have enriched the nuclear interstellar medium in 18O relative to 16O. We suggest that the massive inflow of gas may be partially responsible for the low 18O/16O abundance since it will dilute the starburst enrichment with unprocessed gas from greater radial distances. The 12CO-to-13CO abundance of >90 we infer from the line ratio is consistent with this scenario. It suggests that the nucleus of NGC 1614 is in a transient phase of its evolution where the starburst and the nuclear growth is still being fuelled by returning gas from the minor merger event.

  15. Micro-grid for on-site wind-and-hydrogen powered generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suskis, P.; Andreiciks, A.; Steiks, I.; Krievs, O.; Kleperis, J.

    2014-02-01

    The authors propose a micro-grid for autonomous wind-and-hydrogen power generation thus replacing such traditional fossil-fuelled equipment as domestic diesel generators, gas micro-turbines, etc. In the proposed microgrid the excess of electrical energy from a wind turbine is spent on electrolytic production of hydrogen which is then stored under low-pressure in absorbing composite material. The electrolyser has a non-traditional feeding unit and electrode coatings. The proposed DC/DC conversion topologies for different micro-grid nodes are shown to be well-designed. The prototypes elaborated for the converters and hydrogen storage media were tested and have demonstrated a good performance. Rakstā piedāvātā mikrotīkla izpēte ir veikta ar mērķi izstrādāt autonomu, uz vēja un ūdeņraža enerģiju balstītu elektroapgādes sistēmu, kas varētu aizvietot tradicionālās fosilā kurināmā sistēmas, piemēram, mājsaimniecību dīzeļa ģeneratorus, gāzes mikroturbīnas u.c. Mikrotīkla elektroapgādes sistēmā vēja agregāta saražotā elektroenerģija tiek pārveidota atbilstoši standarta maiņsprieguma elektroapgādes parametriem un piegādāta slodzei. Pārpalikusī enerģija tiek pārveidota un uzkrāta ūdeņraža formā, izmantojot elektrolīzes iekārtu un kompozītmateriālu uzkrājēju. Ja pieejamā vēja enerģija nenosedz slodzes enerģijas patēriņu, elektroenerģijas padeves funkciju ar atbilstoša energoelektronikas pārveidotāja palīdzību pārņem ūdeņraža degvielas elements. Ja, savukārt, slodzei nav nepieciešama enerģija, no vēja saražoto enerģiju izmanto elektrolīzes iekārta un tā tiek uzkrāta ūdeņraža formā, atbilstoši uzkrājēja ietilpībai. Piedāvātajā mikrotīklā ir izmantota elektrolīzes iekārta ar netradicionāliem elektrodu pārklājumiem un barošanas bloku, kā arī zemspiediena kompozītmateriālu ūdeņraža uzkrājējs. Galvenie mikrotīkla elektriskās enerģijas pārveidošanas mezgli ir

  16. Use of geochemical and isotope tracers to assess groundwater dependency of a terrestrial ecosystem: case study from southern Poland

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zurek, Anna J.; Witczak, Stanislaw; Kania, Jaroslaw; Rozanski, Kazimierz; Dulinski, Marek; Wachniew, Przemyslaw

    2015-04-01

    The presented study was aimed at better understanding of the functioning of groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystem (GDTE) located in the south of Poland. The studied GDTE consists of a valuable forest stand (Niepolomice Forest) and associated wetland (Wielkie Bloto fen). It relies not only on shallow, unconfined aquifer but indirectly also on groundwater originating from the deeper confined aquifer, underlying the Quaternary cover and separated from it by an aquitard of variable thickness. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of groundwater to the water balance of the studied GDTE and thereby assess the potential risk to this system associated with intense exploitation of the deeper aquifer. The Wielkie Błoto fen area and the adjacent parts of Niepolomice Forest are drained by the Dluga Woda stream with 8.2 km2 of gauged catchment area. Hydrometric measurements, carried out on the Dluga Woda stream over two-year period (August 2011 - August 2013) were supplemented by chemical and isotope analyses of stream water, monitored on monthly basis. Physico-chemical parameters of the stream water (SEC, pH, Na content, Na/Cl molar ratio) and isotope tracers (deuterium, oxygen-18 and tritium) were used to quantify the expected contribution of groundwater seepage from the deeper aquifer to the water balance of the Dluga Woda catchment. The mean transit time of water through the catchment, derived from temporal variations of δ18O and tritium content in the Dluga Woda stream, was in the order of three months. This fast component of the total discharge of Dluga Woda stream is associated surface runoff and groundwater flow paths through the Quaternary cover. The slow component devoid of tritium and probably originated from the deeper Neogene aquifer is equal to approximately 30% of the total discharge. The relationships between the physico-chemical parameters of the stream water and the flow rate of Dluga Woda clearly indicate that the monitored

  17. Diagnostics and therapy of vestibular schwannomas – an interdisciplinary challenge

    PubMed Central

    Rosahl, Steffen; Bohr, Christopher; Lell, Michael; Hamm, Klaus; Iro, Heinrich

    2017-01-01

    Vestibular schwannomas (VS) expand slowly in the internal auditory canal, in the cerebellopontine angle, inside the cochlear and the labyrinth. Larger tumors can displace and compress the brainstem. With an annual incidence of 1:100,000 vestibular schwannoma represent 6–7% of all intracranial tumors. In the cerebellopontine angle they are by far the most neoplasm with 90% of all lesions located in this region. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), audiometry, and vestibular diagnostics are the mainstays of the clinical workup for patients harboring tumors. The first part of this paper delivers an overview of tumor stages, the most common grading scales for facial nerve function and hearing as well as a short introduction to the examination of vestibular function. Upholding or improving quality of life is the central concern in counseling and treating a patient with vestibular schwannoma. Preservation of neuronal function is essential and the management options – watchful waiting, microsurgery and stereotactic radiation – should be custom-tailored to the individual situation of the patient. Continuing interdisciplinary exchange is important to monitor treatment quality and to improve treatment results. Recently, several articles and reviews have been published on the topic of vestibular schwannoma. On the occasion of the 88th annual meeting of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck surgery a special volume of the journal “HNO” will be printed. Hence this presentation has been designed to deviate from the traditional standard which commonly consists of a pure literature review. The current paper was conceptually woven around a series of interdisciplinary cases that outline examples for every stage of the disease that show characteristic results for management options to date. Systematic clinical decision pathways have been deduced from our experience and from results reported in the literature. These pathways are graphically outlined after

  18. Nosema ceranae Winter Control: Study of the Effectiveness of Different Fumagillin Treatments and Consequences on the Strength of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies.

    PubMed

    Mendoza, Y; Diaz-Cetti, S; Ramallo, G; Santos, E; Porrini, M; Invernizzi, C

    2017-02-01

    In Uruguay, colonies of honey bees moving to Eucalyptus grandis plantation in autumn habitually become infected with the microsporidian Nosema ceranae , a parasite that attacks the digestive system of bees. Beekeepers attributed to N. ceranae depopulation of the colonies that often occurs at the end of the blooming period, and many use the antibiotic fumagillin to reduce the level of infection. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of four different fumagillin treatments and determine how this antibiotic affects the strength of the colonies during the winter season. The colonies treated with fumagillin in July showed less spore load at the end of applications, being the most effective the following treatments: the four applications sprayed over bees of 30 mg of fumagillin in 100 ml of sugar syrup 1:1, and four applications of 90 mg of fumagillin in 250 ml of sugar syrup 1:1 using a feeder. However, 2 month after the treatment applications, the colonies treated with fumagillin were the same size as the untreated colonies. In September, the colonies treated and not treated with fumagillin did not differ in colony strength (adult bee population and brood area) or spores abundance. Our study demonstrates that fumagillin treatment temporarily decreased the spore load of N. ceranae , but this was not reflected in either the size of the colonies or the probability of surviving the winter regardless of the dose or the administration strategy applied. Given the results obtained, we suggest to not perform the pharmacological treatment under the conditions described in the experiment. En Uruguay las colonias de abejas melíferas que se trasladan a las forestaciones de Eucalyptus grandis en otoño indefectiblemente se infectan con el microsporido Nosema ceranae , parásito que ataca el sistema digestivo de las abejas. Los apicultores atribuyen a N. ceranae el despoblamiento de las colonias que ocurre con frecuencia al terminar el periodo de floraci

  19. Guideline on allergen-specific immunotherapy in IgE-mediated allergic diseases: S2k Guideline of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), the Society for Pediatric Allergy and Environmental Medicine (GPA), the Medical Association of German Allergologists (AeDA), the Austrian Society for Allergy and Immunology (ÖGAI), the Swiss Society for Allergy and Immunology (SGAI), the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German Society of Oto- Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO-KHC), the German Society of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), the Society for Pediatric Pneumology (GPP), the German Respiratory Society (DGP), the German Association of ENT Surgeons (BV-HNO), the Professional Federation of Paediatricians and Youth Doctors (BVKJ), the Federal Association of Pulmonologists (BDP) and the German Dermatologists Association (BVDD).

    PubMed

    Pfaar, Oliver; Bachert, Claus; Bufe, Albrecht; Buhl, Roland; Ebner, Christof; Eng, Peter; Friedrichs, Frank; Fuchs, Thomas; Hamelmann, Eckard; Hartwig-Bade, Doris; Hering, Thomas; Huttegger, Isidor; Jung, Kirsten; Klimek, Ludger; Kopp, Matthias Volkmar; Merk, Hans; Rabe, Uta; Saloga, Joachim; Schmid-Grendelmeier, Peter; Schuster, Antje; Schwerk, Nicolaus; Sitter, Helmut; Umpfenbach, Ulrich; Wedi, Bettina; Wöhrl, Stefan; Worm, Margitta; Kleine-Tebbe, Jörg; Kaul, Susanne; Schwalfenberg, Anja

    , Ebner C, Eng P, Friedrichs F, Fuchs T, Hamelmann E, Hartwig-Bade D, Hering T, Huttegger I, Jung K, Klimek L, Kopp MV, Merk H, Rabe U, Saloga J, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Schuster A, Schwerk N, Sitter H, Umpfenbach U, Wedi B, Wöhrl S, Worm M, Kleine-Tebbe J. Guideline on allergen-specific immunotherapy in IgE-mediated allergic diseases - S2k Guideline of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), the Society for Pediatric Allergy and Environmental Medicine (GPA), the Medical Association of German Allergologists (AeDA), the Austrian Society for Allergy and Immunology (ÖGAI), the Swiss Society for Allergy and Immunology (SGAI), the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO-KHC), the German Society of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), the Society for Pediatric Pneumology (GPP), the German Respiratory Society (DGP), the German Association of ENT Surgeons (BV-HNO), the Professional Federation of Paediatricians and Youth Doctors (BVKJ), the Federal Association of Pulmonologists (BDP) and the German Dermatologists Association (BVDD). Allergo J Int 2014;23:282-319.

  20. Improvement of nursing students' learning outcomes through scenario-based skills training.

    PubMed

    Uysal, Nurcan

    2016-08-08

    presenta los errores comunes de los alumnos en la ejecución de inyecciones intramuscular y subcutánea y su desarrollo de capacidades de acceso intravenoso, tratadas en el examen de laboratorio de habilidades de enfermería. un análisis de los errores más comunes de los alumnos reveló que el más común fue el no seguimiento de los principios de asepsia para las tres habilidades ((intramuscular, inyección subcutánea, acceso intravenoso) en el primer año de la capacitación basada en escenarios. Las notas de desempeño de los alumnos en la prueba aumentaron gradualmente, excepto en el semestre de otoño del año académico 2009-2010. Fue observado que la capacitación basada en escenarios redujo los errores comunes de los alumnos en los exámenes y aumentó su desempeño en las pruebas. tanto los alumnos como los profesores respondieron positivamente a ese método. La capacitación basada en escenarios está disponible para uso en combinación con otros métodos de capacitación. neste estudo se analisou a influência da formação de capacidades baseada em cenários nas capacidades de aprendizagem de alunos. o autor avaliou os textos de exames de laboratório de habilidades de enfermagem produzidos por 605 alunos de segundo ano em cursos de enfermagem durante sete anos. O estudo determinou os erros comuns dos alunos e o trabalho em laboratório adotou o formato baseado em cenários. A eficácia desse método foi avaliada mediante o número de erros que os alunos cometeram e suas notas de desempenho em exames de laboratório. Este estudo apresenta os erros comuns dos alunos na execução de injeções intramuscular e subcutânea e seu desenvolvimento de habilidades de acesso intravenoso, tratadas no exame de laboratório de habilidades de enfermagem. uma análise dos erros mais comuns dos alunos revelou que o mais comum foi o não seguimento dos princípios de assepsia para as três habilidades (intramuscular, injeção subcutânea, acesso intravenoso) no primeiro

  1. Space motion sickness: The sensory motor controls and cardiovascular correlation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Souvestre, Philippe A.; Blaber, Andrew P.; Landrock, Clinton K.

    impacts on core regulatory sensory motor and cognitive mechanisms. Static postural analysis provides specific central neurophysiological markers that can reliably identify PDS occurrence among classic peripheral musculoskeletal and spinal data [C. Landrock, P.A. Souvestre, Static postural analysis: a methodology to assess gravity related sensory motor controls' status for astronauts, 2006-01-2298, 36th SAE-ICES]. Many astronauts experience PFOI and recent research has implicated altered autonomic cardiovascular regulation caused by microgravity. HRV measurements have been used to determine if some pre-flight autonomic indicators relating to PFOI may exist by differentiating parasympathetic and sympathetic activity. ResultsThis review suggests a new approach to SMS mitigation based on specific neurophysiological assessment criteria. While SMS may not be a "unique diagnosis", it should be treated as result, or symptom of, the condition space adaptation syndrome (SAS), which can be shown to be a unique diagnosis. This methodology can identify and measure brain functional status in specific areas during pre-flight and post-flight examinations. This could provide further understanding on why, how and when SMS and PFOI might occur in Astronauts, and lead to criteria that predict susceptibility to SMS. An additional test component is presented that relates to using static central sensory-motor data towards understanding SMS and OI occurrence. Recent investigations indicate relationship between HRV autonomic indicators with Motion Sickness [B. Cheung, K. Hoffer, R. Heskin, A. Smith, Physiological and behavioral responses to an exposure to pitch illusion in the simulator, Aviation Space, 2004; Y. Yokota, M. Aoki, K. Mizuta, Y. Ito, N. Isu, Motion sickness susceptibility associated with visually induced postural instability and cardiac autonomic responses in healthy subjects, Acta Oto-laryngological, 2005]. It is found that astronauts with lower sympatho-vagal balance and higher

  2. HWHAP_Ep3_Landing From Space

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-07-21

    because that causes a sensation in my inner ear, which then is, at a most simple case, is translated to my eyeballs. So my eyes counteract the motion on my head so I can keep continuing to look at you while we're talking. But there are other organs that detect my tilting my head left and right, and those are the balance. So those are the otoliths. The other ones are the semicircular canals. But the otoliths, the otolith is ear stone, oto-lith. Host: Okay. John Charles: And those are little stones inside little sacs of fluid inside your head which detect which way down is. And those are the ones that are the most immediately affected by spaceflight and weightlessness because if your whole existence is predicated on detecting down and somebody takes away down, then what do you do? And that's sort of how the vestibular system responds to weightlessness is it spends a lot of time the first several hours or several days saying, oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. My only job is to detect down and there is no down. What do I do now? Now, I'm built, you know, the organs of balance are built to detect motion and to detect directions of acceleration, so they may get more sensitive. In fact, the little otoliths in your ears might become bigger. They might accrete more of the mineral that they're made of because they, they're sure there's a down there someplace and that if they could only get heavier, they might be able to detect it again. Host: And this is over the first couple days of the spaceflight? John Charles: Over the, it's over the course of the spaceflight. Host: Oh, over the -- wow. John Charles: Over the course of the spaceflight. Over the course of the first few days -- thank you for bringing me back to the point at hand -- [laughs] over the course of the first few days, essentially the brain says, you know what? You guys are just making gibberish. You're not making any sense anymore. I'm going to start ignoring you. Now, the brain doesn't actually use words. It just sort