bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking Cessation: Information for Specialists
Authors:   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Published: May 2007

ThisQuick Reference Guide for Smoking Cessation Specialistscontains strategies and recommendations fromSmoking Cessation Clinical Practice Guideline No. 18, designed to assist clinicians, smoking cessation specialists, and health care administrators/insurers/purchasers in identifying tobacco users and supporting and delivering effective smoking cessation interventions. These recommendations were made as a result of an exhaustive and systematic review and analysis of the scientific literature. The primary analytic technique used was meta‐analysis.
Emergency Physicians' Attitudes Toward the Emergency Nurse Practitioner Role: Validation Versus Rejection
Authors: Cairo Mary Jamila
Published: May 2007

A qualitative grounded theory approach was used in this study, which examined the attitudes of a group of emergency physicians toward collaborative practice with emergency nurse practitioners. Interviews were conducted with five physicians who were not currently working with nurse practitioners. Responses were coded, and a substantive theory model of dependent collaboration emerged. The physicians supported the emergency nurse practitioner role on the grounds that it be supervised in the traditional fashion by the physician. Concerns regarding education, trust, liability, and capability were identified. Deficits in knowledge regarding training and the role/function of nurse practitioners were also identified.
Advance Directives: Role of Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Schlenk Joan S.
Published: May 2007

Advance directives are documents that guide end of life decisions. Although advance directives are a fairly recent phenomenon in health care, they are grounded in both legal and ethical principles. Studies show few people have completed advance directives. Persons do not tend to complete advance directives for various reasons. Lack of knowledge has been identified, as well as belief that physicians should initiate the discussion and that the topic is appropriate only for the elderly or those in poor health. Many nurse practitioners practice in primary care settings, which are ideal for discussions about advance directives. Nurse practitioners possess the opportunities and skills to discuss advance directives with their patients.
Smoking Cessation for Pregnant Women and Their Partners: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sheahan Sharon L. , Wilson Stephen M.
Published: May 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: The article featured this month emphasizes the importance of pilot studies in the implementation of nurse practitioner research. The process outlined in this article speaks to the difficulties of obtaining samples and the need to understand the population being studied. In the case of this pilot study, a great deal was learned about the proposed sample population and what might need to be done to get subjects to participate.
Counseling the Patient With Chronic Illness: Strategies for the Health Care Provider
Authors: Aguilar Nancy
Published: May 2007

The process of assisting a patient with chronic illness starts with understanding chronicity from the patient's perspective and its effect on the health care relationship. By learning the impact that chronic illness has on the individual and recognizing the factors involved with adapting to chronic illness, the health care provider can hope to reach this understanding. An appreciation of the coping strategies commonly used by patients with chronic illnesses helps in selecting the appropriate counseling methods to foster psychological health. Specific strategies, such as reciprocal trust, Rational‐Emotive Therapy, and the “School of Bravery” approach, and spiritual care are discussed.
Satisfaction With Practice in a Rural State: Perceptions of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives
Authors: Keith Anne B. , Coburn Andrew F. , Mahoney Elizabeth
Published: May 2007

Data from nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwive are used to explore contributions to primary care in a rural state and how regulatory restrictiveness and other factors affect satisfaction with practice (N= 151). Satisfaction is high, especially with home communities and professional aspects of work, including collaboration with physicians. However, many feel limited by regulations and are less satisfied, especially those with a master's degree and those in organizational versus office practice sites. Reducing restrictive regulations, reevaluating practice structures, and providing for full scope of practice and other incentives consistent with rising educational levels can increase access to care.
Clarifying Nurse Practitioners' Unique Contributions: Application of The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model
Authors: Shuler Pamela A. , Huebscher Roxana
Published: May 2007

Even though nurse practitioners (NPs) have been widely accepted as members of the health care team for more than 30 years, their unique contributions in health care delivery are still unclear. It is critical that NPs collectively define their role, which is a blend of nursing and medicine, and consistently adhere to a model that defines practice parameters. This article proposes use of The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model as the critical missing link needed to guide NPs toward the demonstration of their unique contributions.
Asian Currency Crisis and the International Monetary Fund, 10 Years Later: Overview*
Authors: ITO Takatoshi
Published: May 2007

This paper is an overview of the Asian currency crisis in Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea in 1997–1998, with an emphasis on the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It provides a detailed account of the development of the crisis and analyses and evaluates the content of IMF advice and its consequences. The size of the IMF package for each of these three countries is judged to have been too small. This paper also has a comparative perspective; the Mexican crisis is reviewed as a precursor to the Asian crisis to see what the IMF learned, and how it prepared, for future crises. The causes of the crises and IMF conditionality for the post‐Asian crisis countries, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, and Argentina, are also compared to the Asian crisis countries. By agreeing to maintain a fixed exchange rate, for example, the IMF is judged to have been “softer” in its approach to the post‐Asian crisis countries.
‘Cardinal’ grape parentage: a case of a breeding mistake
Authors: Akkak A. , Boccacci P. , Botta R.
Published: May 2007

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most widely grown fruit plants, with table grapes accounting for at least 20% of the total world production. A few traditional table grape cultivars have achieved great international prominence. Among the most important cultivars is ‘Cardinal’, a historical Californian grapevine obtained by E. Snyder and F. Harmon in 1939 by crossing ‘Flame Tokay’ (syn. ‘Ahmer Bou Amer’) with ‘Ribier’ (syn. ‘Alphonse Lavallée’) at the Horticultural Field Station of Fresno, Calif.. In the course of DNA typing grapevine varieties collected in Algeria and other Mediterranean countries, we found, surprisingly, that ‘Cardinal’ could not result from this cross. Here, we present molecular genetic evidence that ‘Cardinal’ has no parentage relationship with ‘Flame Tokay’. We also show, for the first time, that ‘Flame Tokay’ is a mutant version, at the VVS5 microsatellite locus, of the table grape ‘Ahmer Bou Amer’, which is considered its synonym.
Development and characterization of 248 novel microsatellite markers in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Pardo B.G. , Fernández C. , Hermida M. , Vázquez-López A. , Pérez M. , Presa P. , Calaza M. , Alvarez-Dios J.A. , Comesaña A.S. , Raposo-Guillán J. , Bouza C. , Martínez P.
Published: May 2007

The turbot is a flatfish species of great relevance to marine aquaculture in Europe. Only a limited number of microsatellites have been isolated to date in this species. To increase the number of potentially useful mapping markers, we screened simple sequence repeat (SSR) - enriched genomic libraries obtained from several di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide tandem repeat motifs. A total of 248 new polymorphic microsatellites were successfully optimized. The efficiency of the protocol applied (6.4%) was higher than that in other studies of fish that used the same method. Dinucleotide and perfect microsatellites were predominant in this species; the (AC)n motif was the most frequent class of repeat. Polymorphism and structural properties at these loci, together with 30 variable loci previously reported in turbot, were evaluated in 6 wild individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 10, with an average of 4.046. The microsatellite markers characterized in this study will contribute to the development of the turbot genetic map, which can be used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification, marker-assisted selection programs, and other applications to improve its culture.
STS markers for the wheat yellow rust resistance geneYr5suggest a NBS–LRR-type resistance gene cluster
Authors: Smith P.H. , Hadfield J. , Hart N.J. , Koebner R.M.D. , Boyd L.A.
Published: May 2007

Two sequence-tagged site (STS) markers for the wheat yellow rust resistance (R) gene Yr5 have been derived through the identification and characterization of linked amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The sequences of the 2 AFLP markers partially overlap with one another, but belong to discrete loci: S19M93-140 completely cosegregates with Yr5, whereas S23M41-310 maps at a distance of 0.7 cM. The DNA sequence of S23M41-310 shows significant homology with the 3′ end of nucleotide-binding site (NBS) - leucine-rich repeat (LRR) - type R-genes, in particular with orthologues of the rice bacterial blight R-gene Xa-I. The distinct genetic location of the 2 AFLP loci suggests that Yr5 falls within an R-gene cluster. Because neither sequence forms part of a detectable transcription product, we propose that the Yr5 R-gene cluster includes R-gene analogues and pseudogenes. A Yr5 flanking simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker has also been identified, which allows Yr5 to be effectively incorporated, along with other R-genes for yellow rust, into elite wheat genetic backgrounds, through marker-assisted selection.
Genome-wide high-frequency non-Mendelian loss of heterozygosity in rice
Authors: Xu Pei-Zhou , Yuan Shu , Li Yun , Zhang Hong-Yu , Wang Xu-Dong , Lin Hong-Hui , Wu Xian-Jun
Published: May 2007

Classic Mendelian genetics declares that hybrids inherit genomic information from both male and female parents, and that alleles should be heterozygous in F1plants. A few exceptions to this principle have been reported, but most of them are restricted to either a limited set of specific genes or specific types of alleles. Here, we show that a rice triploid and diploid hybridization resulted in stable diploid progenies, both in genotypes and phenotypes, through gene homozygosity. Furthermore, their gene homozygosity can be inherited through 8 generations, and they can convert DNA sequences of other rice varieties into their own. Molecular-marker examination confirmed that this type of genome-wide gene conversion occurred at a very high frequency. Possible mechanisms, including RNA-templated repair of double-strand DNA, are discussed.
Quantitative genetic analysis of flowering time in tomato
Authors: Jiménez-Gómez José M. , Alonso-Blanco Carlos , Borja Alicia , Anastasio Germán , Angosto Trinidad , Lozano Rafael , Martínez-Zapater José M.
Published: May 2007

Artificial selection of cultivated tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) has resulted in the generation of early-flowering, day-length-insensitive cultivars, despite its close relationship to other Solanum species that need more time and specific photoperiods to flower. To investigate the genetic mechanisms controlling flowering time in tomato and related species, we performed a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for flowering time in an F2mapping population derived from S. lycopersicum and its late-flowering wild relative S. chmielewskii . Flowering time was scored as the number of days from sowing to the opening of the first flower (days to flowering), and as the number of leaves under the first inflorescence (leaf number). QTL analyses detected 2 QTLs affecting days to flowering, which explained 55.3% of the total phenotypic variance, and 6 QTLs for leaf number, accounting for 66.7% of the corresponding phenotypic variance. Four of the leaf number QTLs had not previously been detected for this trait in tomato. Colocation of some QTLs with flowering-time genes included in the genetic map suggests PHYB2, FALSIFLORA, and a tomato FLC-like sequence as candidate genes that might have been targets of selection during the domestication of tomato.
CIRCUIT IMPLEMENTATION AND DYNAMICS OF A TWO-DIMENSIONAL MOSFET NEURON MODEL
Authors: TAKEMOTO TAKASHI , KOHNO TAKASHI , AIHARA KAZUYUKI
Published: May 2007

We propose a two-dimensional neuron model using metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs). It can be implemented with a compact circuitry. This is because we designed its phase portrait structure utilizing the curves native to the MOSFET circuitries. Bifurcation theory is applied to tune the characteristics of the circuitry. Biological neurons can be divided into two main classes based on their responses to sustained current stimuli: classes I and II. At the onset of firing, the firing frequency of class I neurons is asymptotically zero, while that of class II neurons is nonzero. It is generally accepted that classes I and II excitabilities are produced by a saddle-node bifurcation and a subcritical Hopf bifurcation, respectively. Class I* neurons, which belong to a subclass of class I, are characterized by a phase plane structure called a narrow channel. By changing a few circuit parameters, our circuitry can achieve class I without a narrow channel, class I*, and class II. The proposed circuitry is compatible with standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Hence, it can be easily implemented in an analog very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuit; further, large networks can be constructed by using this circuitry. We implemented and tested our circuitry, that was constructed using discrete components. We analyzed the responses to singlet, doublet, periodic pulses, and sustained current stimuli; further, we demonstrated that our circuitry inherited three critical properties of biological neurons: (a) the fundamental abilities of excitable cells, (b) neural excitability such as of classes I and II, and (c) an ability to generate chaotic responses to periodic pulse stimuli. We then applied the bifurcation theory to our circuitry and verified its mathematical structure using XPPAUT software. Furthermore, the simulation results on a gap junction (GJ)-coupled network comprising class I* neurons revealed the genesis of itinerant dynamics similar to that found by Fujii et al..
BOIDS CONTROL OF CHAOS
Authors: ITOH MAKOTO , CHUA LEON O.
Published: May 2007

Chaotic nonlinear networks are investigated, which are controlled by simple boids rules. They exhibit complex and emergent behaviors such as flocking behavior, separation behavior, joining behavior and obstacle avoiding behavior.
Nuclear Expression of Phosphorylated EGFR Is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hoshino Mina , Fukui Hirokazu , Ono Yuko , Sekikawa Akira , Ichikawa Kazuhito , Tomita Shigeki , Imai Yasuo , Imura Johji , Hiraishi Hideyuki , Fujimori Takahiro
Published: May 2007

Objectives: Although it has been reported that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is able to translocate from the plasma membrane to the nucleus, the pathophysiological role of this translocation in tumorigenicity is still unclear. In the present study, to elucidate the pathophysiological significance of EGFR translocation, we investigated the expression not only of conventional EGFR but also its phosphorylated form (pEGFR), focusing on its cellular localization in esophageal cancer tissues. Methods: Fifty-two specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) obtained by surgery were examined immunohistochemically for their EGFR and pEGFR immunostaining patterns. The relationships between clinicopathological parameters and EGFR or pEGFR immunostaining patterns were then analyzed. Results: In 37 (71.2%) of the 52 esophageal SCCs, EGFR immunoreactivity was clearly localized at the plasma membrane of the cancer cells, whereas pEGFR immunoreactivity was clearly localized in the nucleus in 19 (36.5%) cases. Nuclear expression of pEGFR significantly correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis, and moreover was associated with a poor outcome of esophageal SCC. Conclusions: Nuclear translocalization of pEGFR is associated with an increase in the malignant potential of esophageal SCC and may affect prognosis in patients with esophageal SCC.
Retinoblastoma Protein Prevents Staurosporine-Induced Cell Death in a Retinoblastoma-Defective Human Glioma Cell Line
Authors: Yamasaki Fumiyuki , Kajiwara Yoshinori , Hama Seiji , Murakami Taro , Hidaka Toshikazu , Saito Taiichi , Yoshioka Hiroyuki , Sugiyama Kazuhiko , Arita Kazunori , Kurisu Kaoru
Published: May 2007

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of staurosporine-induced glioma cell death and cell cycle arrest using adenovirus-mediated gene transfection, as well as the function of retinoblastoma (Rb) and genetic instability induced by staurosporine. Methods: Cell cycle regulation, cell death and nuclear abnormalities induced by staurosporine were examined using an adenovirus vector expressing Rb, p16 or p21 genes in human glioma cell lines. Results: The Rb-defective SF-539 cell line was resistant to staurosporine compared with cell lines expressing intact Rb. SF-539 glioma cells exposed to staurosporine became multinucleated and then died. Multinucleation was prevented in SF-539 cells transfected with the Rb gene, thus decreasing the death rate of these cells. Conclusions: These results imply that enforced Rb expression protects cells from genomic instability induced by staurosporine regardless of its upstream molecular effects.
Protective Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning against Liver Injury after Major Hepatectomy Using the Intermittent Pringle Maneuver in Swine
Authors: Shimoda Mitsugi , Iwasaki Yoshimi , Sawada Tokihiko , Kubota Keiichi
Published: May 2007

Objective: To investigate whether ischemic preconditioning (IP) protects the liver against ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R-I) after major hepatectomy through intermittent hepatic pedicle clamping (IC) in a swine liver resection model. Background: Although many studies have reported a protective effect of IP against continuous hepatic ischemia, it has not been elucidated whether IP protects the liver against I/R-I after hepatectomy using IC. This is the first study to evaluate the effect of IP in a swine major hepatectomy model using IC. Methods: Pigs (n = 12) were divided into 2 groups (IP or non-IP). In the IP group, livers were subjected to IP (10 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion) before liver resection using IC (15 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion). A left hemihepatectomy was then performed using IC in both groups. Hemodynamic changes and plasma concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid were measured at 60, 120 and 180 min after hepatectomy. Apoptosis (TUNEL staining and electron microscopy), plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and NO2–/NO3– were evaluated for 180 min after hepatectomy. Results: There were no significant differences in body weight, blood loss, resected liver weight, Pringle time or hemodynamic changes between the 2 groups. IP significantly reduced plasma aspartate aminotransferase levels for 180 min after hepatectomy (IP: 135.8 ± 13.5 vs. non-IP: 199 ± 16.8 IU/l; p = 0.018). In the non-IP group, apoptotic changes in sinusoidal endothelial cells were observed with increased plasma TNF-α levels. IP protected liver injury from increase in plasma TNF-α (p = 0.042). Significantly fewer apoptotic cells were seen in the IP than in the non-IP group (p = 0.002). Plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase, lactic acid and NO2–/NO3– in the IP group tended to be lower than those in the non-IP group. Conclusions: IP prior to hepatectomy with IC resulted in less hepatic injury and apoptotic cell death than in livers not subjected to IP. IP with IC has the potential to improve the clinical postoperative course of patients undergoing hepatectomy.
Evaluation of Stereotactic Thalamotomies for Pain Relief with Reference to Pulvinar Intervention
Authors: Mayanagi Y. , Bouchard G.
Published: May 2007

Stereotactic thalamotomies were carried out in 51 cases of malignant tumors and 9 cases of other painful conditions. The patients were divided into two groups – those with a relatively small lesion created in the basal part of the CM nucleus and those with a larger lesion extending into the pulvinar. In total, 50% of the cases showed complete pain relief, 20% partial relief and 30% no effect. The group with pulvinar intervention showed better results, especially those with malignancies.
Distribution of Evoked Potentials on Stimulation of the Human Pulvinar
Authors: Fujita Shigekiyo , Fujita Katsuzo , Shirakata Seiya , Matsumoto Satoshi
Published: May 2007

The distribution of the evoked cortical potentials recorded during stereotactic pulvinectomy is analyzed. The evoked cortical potential shows maximal amplitude in the precentral area, with decreasing amplitude in the parietal and anterior temporal area, and minimal amplitude in the occipital area. The pulvinar has been histologically considered to have dense connections with the parietal lobe and no connection with the frontal lobe. However, our results suggest that the pulvinar has a dense functional connection with the frontal cortex, through which the pulvinar plays a role in motor function.
Some Observations of the Projection to VPMpc from the So-Called ‘Frontal Opercular Pure Taste Area’
Authors: Fujioka Masakatsu
Published: May 2007

The essential projection to VPMpc from the area located between the diagonal sulcus and the arcuate sulcus in the buried cortex of the Sylvian fissure in monkeys was observed with the silver impregnation method of Nauta-Gygax. This area does not seem to project to VPM, VPL and VPI. It is located far rostral to SI and SII. This observation may give the anatomical basis of the existence of a ‘frontal opercular pure taste area’ not relating to the tactile or alimentary systems.
Vascular Lesions of the Thalamus on the Dominant and Nondominant Side
Authors: Kameyama Masakuni
Published: May 2007

A clinicopathological study was done on 87 subjects with VPL lesions due to vascular pathology, with special reference to the difference of clinical manifestations between the right and left sides. Thalamic pain was far more common in VPL lesions on the right side. The responsible lesions for thalamic pain were observed in lesions of VPL and VPL extending to the internal capsule, while in the lesions of the VPL extending to the centrum medianum, central pain was rare. 2 cases with aphasia due to thalamic hemorrhage were found in this series, both in the dominant hemisphere. It is suggested that the thalamus in the dominant hemisphere may be related to speech and in the nondominant to a central pain mechanism.
VL Thalamotomy for the Treatment of Tremor in Patients with Thalamic Syndrome
Authors: Mimura Yasunaga , Bekku Hiroichi , Miyamoto Toshihiko , Ohmoto Takashi , Nishimoto Akira
Published: May 2007

A 59-year-old female who underwent successful thalamotomy for tremor in thalamic syndrome was reported. Thalamic syndrome including tremor of the left limbs and slight dysesthesia over the left side of the face was thought to be due to the vascular lesion located in the right thalamus and adjacent structure by detailed radiological and electrophysiological examinations. Significant alleviation of tremor was achieved by right VL thalamotomy without any complication.
The Thalamus in the Motor System
Authors: Massion J.
Published: May 2007

The ventrolateral (VL) and ventral anterior (VA) are the main thalamic relay for cerebellar and pallidal efferents going to the motor cortex. Four aspects of the function of these nuclei are briefly considered. (1) It is well known that these thalamic structures are not a simple relay on the way to the motor cortex, but that they have a gating function for the cerebellar afferents. The gating mechanism is active during slow-wave sleep, with deafferentation and with the use of various anesthetics. Possibly, it might play a role in the central organization of movement. (2) The organization at the unitary level of the projections between VL and motor cortex is examined and their role in the command of motor synergies through the motor cortex strongly suggested. (3) It appears that unitary activity of VL neurons is not only related to movement but also to postural changes associated with movement. (4) The sensory input to VL nucleus is briefly analyzed. The inefficacy of exteroceptive stimulation in awake animals, in contrast with the effect of the same stimulation in anesthetized preparations, is discussed.
Electrophysiological Studies on the Cerebellothalamocortical Projections
Authors: Sasaki Kazuo
Published: May 2007

Electrophysiological studies on the cerebellothalamocortical projections of cats and monkeys are presented and discussed, referring mainly to the mechanisms of thalamocortical (TC) projections. Two types of TC projections, deep and superficial, were distinguished electrophysiologically. The former corresponds mostly to the ‘specific’ TC projection system which can be traced with conventional histological methods, whereas the latter constitutes the final direct TC pathway of the recruiting system (‘nonspecific’ or ‘diffuse’ TC projection system). Superficial TC neurones were identified electrophysiologically in the thalamus and their distinctive responses were demonstrated in relation to cortical recruiting responses, spindling waves and desynchronized activation of the cortex due to the midbrain reticular formation. The characteristics of superficial TC projections and their cortical distributions appear to indicate that the superficial TC projections are much more developed in primates, probably most in the human, and that they convey the impulses responsible for more associative and elaborate integrations in the cerebral cortex.
Thalamic Lesions during the Development Period and Their Clinical Correlation
Authors: Shinohara Takeshi , Sasaki Hideo , Morimatsu Yoshio , Ishihara Ko
Published: May 2007

28 autopsy cases were investigated in which the thalamus was impaired in early life, i.e. prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal (under 1 year of age). The thalamus is vulnerable to brain damage in the perinatal and early postnatal period. Lesions in the thalamus are severe in the DM, PL and VPL, and moderate in the VL and pulvinar thalamus. The anterior nuclei and center median show little change. Many of the cases with .athetoid movements have complicated thalamic lesions in addition to those of the basal ganglia. In one patient who showed athetosis as a sequela of encephalitis japonica, the VL and PL in the thalamus were involved severely; in contrast the basal ganglia revealed very slight changes.
Emotional Slow Negative Potential Shift (CNV) in the Thalamus
Authors: Tsubokawa T. , Katayama Y. , Nishimoto H. , Kotani A. , Moriyasu N.
Published: May 2007

In order to know the functional relationship between CNV recorded at the vertex and activity of the thalamic nucleus, the CNV at the vertex and the intrathalamic slow potentials responding to an S1-S2-R paradigm were recorded during thalamotomy under local anesthesia. It might be concluded that the activity of the medial thalamus and medial parts of the subthalamic area not only generate slow potential shifts corresponding to S1-S2-R, but also play an important role in controlling the CNV at the vertex.
Connections from the Basal Ganglia to the Thalamus
Authors: Feger J. , Deniau J.M. , Hammond-Le Guyader C. , Ohye C.
Published: May 2007

Many data suggest that the basal ganglia exerts an indirect influence onto the motor cortex through the thalamus which receives pallidal and nigral efferences. According to the anatomical data, the internal segment of globus pallidus projects to the VL-VA and CM of thalamus and the substantia nigra sends axons ending in the VL and VA with an intranuclear organization which did not overlap the pallidal terminations. The electrophysiological records in the VL-VA nucleus demonstrate that pallidal stimulation induces an inhibitory response, mainly on thalamic neurons, which does not receive cerebellar input. If spreading of excitation is avoided, nigral stimulation also induces an inhibition at the thalamic level. This inhibitory effect can be recorded on relay cells with cerebellar input and cortical output as well as on nonrelay cells. The electrophysiological results in the case of the striatopallidal and striatonigral projections are also briefly reported.
Slight Cerebellar Signs in Stereotactic Thalamotomy and Subthalamotomy for Parkinsonism
Authors: Yasui Nobuyuki , Narabayashi Hirotaro , Kondo Tomoyoshi , Ohye Chihiro
Published: May 2007

After the stereotactic treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease, a correlative study between the site of the deep subcortical lesions and subsequent cerebellar signs (dysmetria and hypotonia) was made. Cerebellar signs appeared in 27 cases (40.8%) of subthalamotomy and in 3 cases (8.6%) of VIM thalamotomy 2 weeks after an operation. The appearance of these signs after an operation was independent from the operative effect on tremor. Thus, we concluded that VIM thalamotomy might be better than subthalamotomy for the relief of tremor in Parkinson’s disease.
Postural Dependence of Reaction Time in Normal Subjects and Patients with Focal Brain Lesions
Authors: Nakamura R.
Published: May 2007

EMG reaction times (EMG-RTs) of triceps brachii muscle of normal subjects and patients with focal brain lesions were measured at two different positions of the shoulder joint. The difference of EMG-RTs between the two positions was smaller in patients with VL-thalamotomy, cerebellar or frontal premotor lesions than in normal subjects and patients with hemiplegia. It is assumed that cerebellum, VL-nucleus and the premotor area are related to the proprioceptive control of RTs.
Culture Methods of Glomerular Podocytes
Authors: Krtil J. , Pláteník J. , Kazderová M. , Tesař V. , Zima T.
Published: May 2007

Podocytes (glomerular visceral epithelial cells) cover the exterior surface of the glomerular capillaries and contribute to the glomerular filtration membrane. Failure of podocyte function is involved in the progression of chronic glomerular disease; accordingly, research interest into podocyte biology is driven by the need for better protection and perhaps recovery of these cells in renal diseases. This review aims at summarizing available techniques for podocyte cell cultures from both the past and present, with special attention to the currently used methods. The establishment of classical primary cultures is based on isolation of glomeruli by differential sieving. Plating of glomeruli onto a collagen surface is followed by an outgrowth of cobblestone-like cells that, after replating, differentiate into arborized, mature podocytes. Currently, the majority of research studies use immortalized podocytic cell lines most often derived from transgenic mice bearing a conditional immortalizing gene. The podocytes can also be collected and cultured from healthy or diseased animal or patient urine. The urinary podocytes obtained from subjects with active glomerulopathies display higher proliferation potential and viability in vitro, perhaps due to disease-induced transdifferentiation. Finally, a list of phenotypic markers useful for identification and characterization of the cultured podocytic elements is provided.
Sequential Administration of 5-Fluorouracil (5FU)/Leucovorin (LV) Followed by Irinotecan (CPT-11) at Relapse versus CPT-11 Followed by 5-FU/LV in Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Tsavaris Nicolas , Kosmas Christos , Skopelitis Helias , Papadoniou Nicitas , Polyzos Aristidis , Zografos George , Adoniou Efstathios , Gryniatsos John , Felekouras Evangelos , Zacharakis Michalis , Sigala Francheska , Bacoyiannis Christos , Papastratis George , Papalambros Efstathios
Published: May 2007

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the sequence of administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV) followed by irinotecan (CPT-11), or CPT-11 followed by 5-FU/LV in advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). Patients and Methods: Chemotherapy-naïve patients with ACC were allocated to the following treatment groups: group A, a bolus of 20 mg/m2 LV and 425 mg/m2 5-FU for 5 days until progression/relapse, and upon progression treatment with weekly CPT-11 (100 mg/m2), and group B, CPT-11 followed at progression/relapse by 5-FU/LV at the same doses and schedules as in group A. Results: 120 patients were randomized to receive one of the two treatment sequences and their pretreatment characteristics were equally balanced between treatment arms. No statistically significant difference was found in the objective response rate to CPT-11 (p = 0.45); partial response (PR) was 23.3% for group A patients and 33.3% for group B. Following documented progression and second line treatment there was a significant difference between the response rate in group A (23.3%) and group B where no patients were found to respond to second-line treatment with 5-FU/LV (p = 0.024). The median overall survival was 42.0 weeks (range, 36.6–47.4 weeks) for group A and 32.0 weeks (range, 28.2–35.8 weeks) for group B. The median time to progression for patients in group A following first-line 5-FU/LV was 18 weeks (range, 10–36 weeks) and 12 weeks (range, 10–16 weeks) for group B following first-line CPT-11 (p = 0.0005). Toxicity, according to WHO, was similar between groups. Conclusions: Treating patients with CPT-11 upon progression to 5-FU/LV treatment seems to be superior to the opposite sequence. We used these treatments as sequential monotherapies (at progression/relapse), and the best results are gained when 5-FU/LV is followed by CPT-11 at disease progression or relapse.
Bilateral Anterior Cingulectomy for the Relief of Intractable Pain
Authors: Wilson Donald H. , Chang Alfred E.
Published: May 2007

Bilateral anterior cingulectomies were performed on 23 patients for the relief of intractable pain. 19 patients suffered from pain due to metastatic disease, 3 from arachnoiditis and 1 from a phantom limb syndrome. Of those patients suffering from pain due to metastatic disease, 10 (52.1%) obtained pain relief. Among the patients suffering from arachnoiditis, 1 obtained pain relief. The case of phantom limb syndrome also obtained relief from pain. Combining all the patients, we were able to relieve the pain symptoms in only 12 out of the 23 patients (52.2%). We cannot recommend this operation for the relief of pain.
A Case of Paget's Disease of Bone with Neurological Complications Successfully Treated with Actinomycin D
Authors: Eytan S. , Matz Sh. , Bornstein B.
Published: May 2007

Apatient with complete paraplegia due to Paget''s disease of bone, which had failed to respond to any other treatment, was subjected to a trial treatment with actinomycin D administered in varying amounts during three series at irregular intervals. By the end of treatment, complete clinical recovery had been obtained, with the patient fully ambulant, and there had been an almost complete normalization of laboratory values of serum alkaline phosphatase and calcium and of urinary hydroxyproline. Follow-up six months later showed no recurrence of the clinical signs; the laboratory levels had remained almost constant, with the exception of hydroxyproline, which was increased. The findings of other workers in this field and the possible mechanism of action of actinomycin D are briefly noted and discussed.
Cortical Echoencephalography
Authors: Mason Thomas H.
Published: May 2007

Cortical A-mode echoencephalography has yielded reliable information as to the depth and location of hemispheric mass lesions. The 5-cm range-focus transducer at 2.25 MHz has provided the most valuable tissue interface data from the cerebral mantle. Awareness of the Sylvian fissure, island of Reil and lateral ventricle is important as the oscilloscopic display may be confusing if these echoes are not properly identified.
Electrical Stimulation of the Cerebral Visual System in Man
Authors: Uematsu S. , Chapanis N. , Gucer G. , Konigsmark B. , Walker A.E.
Published: May 2007

In patients undergoing thalamotomy for intractable pain, multi-contact platinum electrodes were stereotaxically implanted so that the striate cortex and geniculocalcarine tract could be stimulated to evaluate the feasibility of a visual prosthesis. The parameters of stimulation were 50–300 Hz, 0.1–1 msec pulse duration and 0.1–5 mA/phase. Phosphenes were evoked in 7 out of the 17 cases studied. The projection in space of the phosphene depended upon the site of stimulation. The configuration, color and brightness of the phosphene varied from a simple white or colored light to occasionally a multicolored complex pattern. Some phosphenes appeared to blink or flutter, some were stable in position, others appeared to move away radially from the fixation point. Histological studies on 6 of the brains suggested that the phosphenes were more often evoked from the striate cortex than from the geniculocalcarine fibers.
The Study and Treatment, on a Neurological Ward, of Abnormally Aggressive Patients with Focal Brain Disease (Part 1 of 2)
Authors: Blumer Dietrich P. , Williams Harold W. , Mark Vernon H.
Published: May 2007

Thirty-six patients with a history of aggressive violent behavior and/or limbic brain disease were studied on an open neurological-neurosurgical ward by psychiatrists, neurologists and neurosurgeons, complemented by a staff of nurses and aides especially chosen and trained by physicians. Patient history, demographic, physical, neurological, electrophysiologic, psychiatric and roentgenographic findings are presented, as well as the problems and shortcomings of studying such a group within a general hospital framework. The need for close cooperation between psychiatrists and neurologists in dealing with the violent prone, brain diseased patient is emphasized.
Anatomical Considerations for the Stereotaxic Longitudinal Hippocampectomy
Authors: Nádvorník P. , Šramka M.
Published: May 2007

An anatomical study of a new stereotaxic approach to the gyrus hippocampi was done because of the disadvantages of the usual approach, which limited the extent of the Iesion and the destruction technique in its structures. The approach from the occipital burr-hole allows one to introduce the electrode an average of 23° to the basic CA-CP line and 30° to the midline into the longitudinal axis of the gyrus hippocampi. Through the destruction, which starts from the main target point 5 mm behind the tip of the temporal horn and 22–24 mm lateral and which continues 40 mm back, the whole temporal segment of the archicortical structures is removed. It is possible to name the new approach longitudinal stereotaxic hippocampectomy.
Cytological Changes in the Cerebrospinal Fluid following Intrathecal Methotrexate Treatment
Authors: Peter Agnes
Published: May 2007

In two patients of meningeal leukemia, the changes of CSF cell pattern following intrathecal methotrexate (MTX) therapy were serially examined by light microscopy. The first case reacted well to cytostatic treatment. 72 h after the first intrathecal MTX injection, an alteration of the chromatin structure could be observed in the nucleus of CSF blast cells; there was a condensation of the heterochromatin, a fragmentation of the nucleus and a dispersal of the chromatin into the cytoplasm. With the therapy-resistant patient No. 2, 72 h after intrathecally administered MTX, the rate of blast cells did not change, and nuclear damage has manifested itself by a rarefaction and disappearance of the chromatin substance. There is strong evidence that these nuclear changes are due to intrathecal MTX treatment. Such changes, however, may not be considered to be specific.
Neuromolecular Modulation of Experimentally-Induced Retrograde Amnesia
Authors: Essman W.B.
Published: May 2007

The effect of a single post-training electroconvulsive shock (ECS) treatment has been shown to effect (1) a retrograde amnesia for avoidance behavior in the mouse, (2) a change in the level and metabolism of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and (3) an inhibition of regional protein synthesis. Injection of physiological quantities of 5-HT into the hippocampal region was effective incausing a retrograde amnesia and also inhibiting cerebral protein synthesis. This effect appeared specific to 5-HT, as other analogs or amines failed to exert a comparable behavioral effect. An age-dependent effect of the amnesia, 5-HT increment, and inhibition of the protein synthesis was demonstrated in that the 17 day old animal showed a marked resistence to the behavioral and biochemical effects of 5-HT. Several molecular interactions having possible significance for synaptic modulation of changes associated with experimentally induced retrograde amnesia have been considered.
Focal Stimulation of the Brain by Entirely Extracranial Means
Authors: Remler M.P.
Published: May 2007

Amethod for focal stimulation of the brain by entirely extracranial means is presented. A focal X-ray lesion of cortex was made which reduces the blood brain barrier in that area. Then parenteral penicillin was administered. Penicillin is primarily confined to the vascular space by the blood brain barrier in all parts of the brain except for some leakage into the brain at higher doses. An increased concentration of penicillin is created in the irradiated cortex. The penicillin creates a focal epileptic lesion in the irradiated area. This is an example of radiation-controlled focal pharmacology in the central nervous system.
An Integrated System for Brain Stimulation and Lesion Production in Human Stereotaxic Surgery
Authors: Alberts W.W. , Wright Jr. E.W. , Feinstein B.
Published: May 2007

An electronic system for stimulation and lesion production in stereotaxic surgery is described. This system allows accurately monitored noninjurious prelesion stimulation and the production of radiofrequency lesions of known size and shape.
A New Universal Stereoencephalotome (Model 6)
Authors: Wycis T. , Iwata Y. , Bross R. , Cook K. , Rohrback D.
Published: May 2007

This new model is a modification of a previous one (No. III by Spiegel and Wycis). It permits access to the brain not only from the top but also from either side and from the back. It carries miniature X-ray tubes.
Experimental Induction Heating Hypophysectomy
Authors: Zervas N.T. , Shintani A. , Kuwayama A. , Hale R. , Pickren K. , Merry A.
Published: May 2007

The use of implanted metal seeds to induce hypophysectomy using induction heating was studied in vitro and in experimental animals. The preliminary observations indicate that this technique is not satisfactory for bringing about total hypophysectomy at primary operation but may be useful in permitting secondary lesions in the hypophysis at a later date if hypophysectomy is incomplete.
Stereotaxic Hypothalamotomy
Authors: Balasubramaniam V. , Kanaka T.S. , Ramanujam P.B. , Ramamurthi B.
Published: May 2007

Hypothalamotomy has a distinct place in the management of hyperkinetic behaviour disorders of various types. It works because the area destroyed forms part of the limbic system. It seems to be more on the ‘effector’ side. It does not cause any morbidity. In the management hyperkinetic behaviour disorders the first target to be destroyed must be the amygdaloid nucleus. If this operations fails, then hypothalamotomy may be done as the next operation.
An Assessment of Cognitive Function in Postthalamotomy Parkinson Patients
Authors: Shapiro D.Y. , Sadowsky Doris A. , Henderson W.G. , Van Buren J.M.
Published: May 2007

Cognitive evaluation of 47 Parkinson patients for a mean of 17 months following unilateral thalamotomy, using the Wechsler-Bellevue adult intelligence scale and the Wechsler memory scale, showed mild but definite cognitive declines persisting into the second postoperative year. Left-side operated patients showed declines mainly in verbally related scores and right-side operated patients showed declines mainly in nonverbal performance scores. These left-right differences were not secondarily caused by differences in age, sex, or degree of disease severity. A lack of adequate control data in the current literature prevents relating these changes directly to the thalamus. The changes observed are not sufficient in themselves to warrant cessation of thalamotomy in the treatment of Parkinson''s disease.
Alexia without Agraphia with Complete Recovery
Authors: Sroka H. , Solsi P. , Bornstein B.
Published: May 2007

We have described a patient who suffered from agnostic alexia without agraphia, accompanied by color agnosia. The alexia affected languages read in opposite directions. The patient was found to have a vascular malformation of the left posterior cerebral artery. This case is outstanding because of the patient’s complete recovery from the alexia in all the languages she knew. In an attempt to explain the process of recovery from agnostic alexia, we have introduced a new concept, that of ‘functional disconnection syndrome’.
Muscular Dystrophy: The Relative Frequency in the Different Ethnic Groups in Israel
Authors: Kott Edna , Golan A. , Don Ruth , Bornstein B.
Published: May 2007

A study of muscular dystrophy in Israel revealed a high frequency of this disease among non-Ashkenazi Jews. The proportion was 10.41 non-Ashkenazi patients (specific rates per 100,000 of population) to 2.19 Ashkenazi. Tests performed on the above rates showed that a significant statistical difference (p<0.001) exists. A high frequency of consanguinity was described among non-Ashkenazi Jews. There was no difference as to sex, age of onset, progress of disease, the clinical and laboratory findings, personality comportment or any other finding between the two large ethnic groups. Any of the clinical entities described, Duchenne’s dystrophy, pelvic femoral dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral, distal and ocular type, was more frequently found in non-Ashkenazi Jews though they constitute 41% of all the adult population above 20 years old. In the younger age group where Duchenne cases belong, the ratio is 65% non-Ashkenazi to 35% Ashkenazi in the total population of Israel with 42 cases of muscular dystrophy in non-Ashkenazi to 11 cases in Ashkenazi. Three females aged 3 to 6 years were diagnosed as having a Duchenne-like dystrophy; they were all born to healthy nonconsanguineous parents. A careful study of carriers and phenotypically healthy offsprings in the different ethnic groups born and brought up in Israel would be of importance.