Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in agricultural areas.

A prevailing opinion is that the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that infects both plants and humans are two separate species. This study strongly disputes that notion until the modern molecular technology proves otherwise. This paper examines a spectrum of strains occurring in nature, their habitats, dissemination, their relationship to clinical strains, and the environmental conditions that favor their colonization of plants.

Use of a Low-fidelity simulator to improve trans-nasal fibre-optic flexible laryngoscopy in the clinical setting: a randomized, single-blinded, prospective study.

Background: Trans-nasal flexible fibre-optic laryngoscopy (TFFL) is an essential skill for otolaryngologists. There is evidence to suggest that simulators help residents acquire procedural skills. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of simulation on endoscopy skill acquistion.

Polyethylene implants in nasal septal restoration.

Importance: Numerous techniques have been described to repair nasal septal perforations (SPs). However, many are technically challenging, with varying degrees of success.

Objective: To evaluate the use of polyethylene (Medpor; Porex Technologies) implants in the closure of nasal SPs.

The significance of Streptococcus anginosus group in intracranial complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis.

Objective: To assess the significance of the Streptococcus anginosus group in intracranial complications of pediatric patients with rhinosinusitis.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary pediatric hospital.

Evidence-based practice: management of adult sensorineural hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss is a complex disease state influenced by genetics, age, noise, and many other factors. This article reviews our current knowledge regarding the causes of sensorineural hearing loss and reviews the more challenging clinical presentations of sensorineural hearing loss. We have reviewed the latest medical literature in an attempt to provide an evidence-based strategy for the assessment and management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss, and asymmetric/unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Impact of newer generation multidetector computed tomography on the diagnosis of abscesses in the head and neck.

Objective: To understand how newer generation multidetector computed tomographic (NGCT) scanner technology (≥ 16 slices) has affected the imaging characteristics of head and neck abscesses.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Tertiary referral centre.

Effectiveness of the heat-activated nitinol smart piston stapes prosthesis in stapedectomy surgery.

Objective: To compare the SMart piston stapes prosthesis to a standard manual crimp prosthesis on operative time and air-bone gap (ABG) closure in stapedectomy.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Tertiary referral centre.

Identification of bacterial contaminants in sinus irrigation bottles from chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Objective: To determine if sinus irrigation bottles from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) harbour bacterial contaminants.

Design: Patients with symptoms of CRS who showed no mucopurulent infection and had no history of surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients were instructed on the proper use and cleaning of sinus irrigation bottles and were asked to return their rinse bottle during follow-up visits.

The role of the estrogen in neuroprotection: implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

In trying to rectify the differences in the risk, onset, and progression of neurodegenerative diseases between men and women, the gonadal hormone estrogen has been the primary focus of investigation for many years. Although this gender difference may encompass disparate and overlapping reasons, estrogen and signaling events mediated by its receptor have been shown to be neuroprotective in a number of neurodegenerative disease models such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Schizophrenia. Although data from human studies remains highly controversial, a large body of research findings suggests that this hormone plays a pivotal role in retarding and preventing the formation of neurodegenerative diseases through its receptor.

The presence of 17-beta estradiol in Mytilus edulis gonadal tissues: evidence for estradiol isoforms.

Objectives: In earlier studies, we demonstrate that 17-beta -estradiol and an estrogen cell surface receptor can be found on various human cells, i.e., vascular endothelial, monocytes, and granulocytes, where they are coupled to nitric oxide release.

17-beta estradiol down regulates ganglionic microglial cells via nitric oxide release: presence of an estrogen receptor beta transcript.

Objectives: In earlier studies we have demonstrated that 17-beta-estradiol and an estrogen cell surface receptor can be found on various human cells where they are coupled to nitric oxide release. We also demonstrated the presence of estrogen signaling in Mytilus edulis ganglia. In the present report, we sought to determine a function for these ganglionic estrogen receptors, transcending a reproductive role for estrogen.

Risk factors for breast cancer and the prognosis of African American women: estrogen's role.

Archival reports demonstrate that black females are in the minority of reported breast cancer cases, yet are given a significantly poorer prognosis than their white counterparts. Numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to explain this discrepancy. In the past, socio-economic variables such as economic status and access to adequate health care have been the focus of attention.

The nongenomic protective effects of estrogen on the male cardiovascular system: clinical and therapeutic implications in aging men.

Although the preponderance of studies investigating the effects of estrogen on vasomotor tone and function have focused on women, a number of recent studies have intriguingly shown that estrogen's rapid vasodilatory properties is also preserved in men. Unlike classical steroid transcription mediated pathways, estrogen's acute vasodilatory effect is mediated by calcium dependent cell surface estrogen receptors that stimulate constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. The transient release of eNOS derived nitric oxide exerts profound physiological effects on the vasculature exerting a state of cellular inhibition (i.

Estrogen signaling at the cell surface coupled to nitric oxide release in Mytilus edulis nervous system.

In previous studies we have demonstrated release of nitric oxide (NO) in human tissues following exposure to estrogen. We now designed experiments to determine whether estrogen is present in the neural tissue of Mytilus edulis, a marine mollusk, and whether, as in vertebrates, it stimulates constitutive NO synthase activity. After HPLC purification of 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E(2)) from M.