bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preemptive Low‐frequency Stimulation Decreases the Incidence of Amygdala‐kindled Seizures
Authors: Goodman Jeffrey H. , Berger Russell E. , Tcheng Thomas K.
Published: January 2005

Summary:  Purpose: The use of electrical stimulation as a therapy for epilepsy is currently being studied in experimental animals and in patients with epilepsy. This study examined the effect of preemptive, low‐frequency, 1‐Hz sine wave stimulation (LFS) on the incidence of amygdala‐kindled seizures in the rat.

Methods: Electrodes were implanted into the basolateral amygdalae of adult male rats. All animals received a kindling stimulus of 60‐Hz, 400‐μA, sine wave for 1 s twice a day. Experimental animals received an additional LFS consisting of 1 Hz, 50 μA for 30 s immediately before the kindling stimulus. Afterdischarge (AD) duration, behavioral seizure score, the number of stimulations required to elicit the first stage five seizure and to become fully kindled were measured. After 20 stimulations, a crossover procedure was performed. Fully kindled rats from each group were switched, so that the original controls received LFS plus the kindling stimulus, and the original experimental rats received only the kindling stimulus.

Results: During kindling acquisition, LFS induced a significant decrease in AD duration. A significant increase in the number of times the kindling stimulus failed to elicit an AD was noted. Control rats exhibited an AD 99% of the time compared with 70% in experimental rats (p < 0.0001; Fisher's Exact test). In fully kindled animals, the incidence of stage five seizures in the original controls significantly decreased from 98% to 42% (p < 0.0001) when the LFS was added to the kindling paradigm.

Conclusions: The dramatic decrease in the incidence of stage 5 seizures in fully kindled animals after preemptive LFS strongly suggests that LFS may be an effective therapy for the prevention of seizures in patients with epilepsy.
ApoE Epsilon4 Allele and Disease Duration Affect Verbal Learning in Mild Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Gambardella Antonio , Aguglia Umberto , Chifari Rosanna , Labate Angelo , Manna Ida , Serra Paolo , Romeo Nelide , Sibilia Grazia , LePiane Emilio , Russa Antonella La , Ventura Patrizia , Cittadella Rita , Sasanelli Francesco , Colosimo Eleonora , Leggio Ugo , Zappia Mario , Quattrone Aldo
Published: January 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To clarify the possible role of other factors including the ApoE ɛ4 allele for memory decline in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods: We conducted a neuropsychological and molecular study in 138 consecutive patients (78 female patients; mean age, 50.2 years, SD ± 17.9; range, 14 to 87 years) with mild nonlesional TLE, who rarely or never had seizures at long‐term follow‐up. The mean age at seizure onset was 33.0 years (SD, ±21.7), and the mean duration of epilepsy was 17.1 years (SD, ±15.7).

Results: Thirty‐four (25%) of 138 patients had test scores indicating verbal learning deficit (VLD). The presence of an ApoE ɛ4 allele was associated with an increased risk of VLD (OR, 4.18; 95% CI, 1.66–10.55). The effect of the ApoE genotype was independent of both the age at epilepsy onset and disease duration as well as of a low educational level, which were separately associated with VLD (p values = 0.045, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). A significant linear trend (p = 0.005) was seen in the relation between disease duration and cognitive impairment, with the highest risk being in patients with an epilepsy duration ≥25.5 years (OR, 7.06; 95% CI, 1.67–29.85), especially if they carried the ɛ4 allele (OR, 32.29; 95% CI, 5.23–195.72).

Conclusions: These results provide evidence for an alteration in cognitive performance as a function of the presence of the ApoE ɛ4 allele and point to the critical role of disease duration itself for cognitive impairment in TLE.
Right‐sided Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Refractory Epilepsy in Humans
Authors: McGregor Amy , Wheless James , Baumgartner James , Bettis David
Published: January 2005

Summary:  Purpose: We present three children who underwent right‐sided vagus nerve stimulation (R‐VNS). This treatment option for people with refractory epilepsy has not been described in children.

Methods: We reviewed our database of >350 patients implanted with vagus nerve stimulators and now describe our experience in three patients with R‐VNS for the treatment of intractable seizures. All three patients improved dramatically with left‐sided vagus nerve stimulation (L‐VNS), but the devices had to be removed because of infection. The patients were thought to be at high risk for nerve injury if they were reapproached for L‐VNSs; therefore R‐VNSs were implanted.

Results: All three patients with an R‐VNS had a reduction in seizures. Our first patient has had an R‐VNS for 5 years; he has been seizure free for >2 years on R‐VNS monotherapy. The second patient had an R‐VNS for 8 months. His seizure control improved slightly, but not as dramatically as with L‐VNS. The third child has had an R‐VNS for >7 months and has cessation of his most disabling seizure type (generalized tonic–clonic seizures). None of the patients had cardiac side effects from therapeutic R‐VNS. However, two of the three patients had respiratory events with R‐VNS.

Conclusions: VNS is known to be an effective treatment in pharmacoresistant epilepsy. R‐VNS should be considered if a patient has significant benefit from L‐VNS but is unable to continue with L‐VNS. R‐VNS appears also to have antiepilepsy effects. Additionally, our case report suggests that in some patients, a differential response is found regarding seizure control with R‐VNS or L‐VNS, raising the question whether L‐VNS failures should pursue a trial of R‐VNS. Patients should be cautioned and monitored for reactive airway disease if they undergo R‐VNS. More research is needed to compare the effects of right‐ and left‐sided VNS on cardiac and pulmonary function in humans and to determine which has the best antiseizure effect.
Gabapentin‐induced Myoclonus in End‐stage Renal Disease
Authors: Zhang Chunxiao , Glenn Darren G. , Bell William L. , O'Donovan Cormac A.
Published: January 2005

Summary:  Purpose: We analyzed the occurrence and clinical features of myoclonus in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) who were treated with gabapentin (GBP).

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients with ESRD who were treated with GBP and hospitalized during an 18‐month period and analyzed clinical details such as type of myoclonus, doses of GBP, electroencephalographic (EEG) findings, and relation of symptoms to GBP exposure and dosage.

Results: Three of 71 patients had myoclonus with GBP doses ranging from 9 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg and within 4 months of treatment onset. Myoclonus was characterized as multifocal, involving all extremities in the three patients. EEG did not show epileptiform discharges with the myoclonus. Myoclonus resolved in the three individuals within 4–15 days after GBP was discontinued.

Conclusions: GBP increases the risk of myoclonus in ESRD. Myoclonus in these individuals was more disabling than that in patients with normal renal function, and discontinuation of GBP is required to restore normal function.
Quantitative Neuropathology of the Entorhinal Cortex Region in Patients with Hippocampal Sclerosis and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Dawodu Stephen , Thom Maria
Published: January 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Clinical, radiologic, and experimental evidence indicates that the entorhinal cortex (EC) region may be linked to the pathophysiology of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Few neuropathologic studies of this region have been undertaken in patients with HS undergoing surgery, some suggesting preferential loss of layer III neurones.

Methods: We carried out a quantitative analysis in 26 patients with HS, nine patients with lesional temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE), and eight postmortem controls. We measured neuronal densities in EC by using a three‐dimensional cell‐counting technique on NeuN immunostained and Nissl‐stained sections. We also quantified the density of calretinin‐positive interneurones in this region and the density of neurones in adjacent subiculum and CA1 subfields. We also assessed the patterns of gliosis in the EC in the patient groups and the presence of any neocortical neurone loss.

Results: No significant difference was found in the mean neuronal densities in the EC region between HS and LTLE groups or postmortem controls. Laminar gliosis in midcortical layers was seen in a proportion of HS cases but also in the LTLE group. No significant difference was seen in the density of calretinin interneurones and no correlation between the presence of neocortical neuronal loss and EC neuronal densities.

Conclusions: A stereotypical pattern of neuronal loss and gliosis in the EC region in patients with HS is not confirmed that distinguishes this pathologic process from that in patients with lesional TLE.
Electrographic Neonatal Seizures after Infant Heart Surgery
Authors: Clancy Robert R. , Sharif Uzma , Ichord Rebecca , Spray Thomas L. , Nicolson Susan , Tabbutt Sarah , Wernovsky Gil , Gaynor J. William
Published: January 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Neonatal seizures are relatively common and an important early sign of acute encephalopathy in those who survive infant heart surgery. The contemporary occurrence of seizures in this setting is not fully known, and their electrographic characteristics are incompletely described. This study describes the characteristics of electrographic neonatal seizures (ENSs) in contemporary infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) surgically repaired by using cardiopulmonary bypass, with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Methods: Consecutive infants undergoing heart surgery were monitored by video‐EEG for 48 h postoperatively to establish the time of first seizure, total number of ENSs, site(s) of ENS(s) origin and other characteristics.

Results: ENSs occurred in 21 (11.5%) of 183 infants. None had clinically visible seizures. The mean time to the first ENS was 21 h (range, 10–36 h). The total number of ENSs among the entire cohort was 1,429. Mean total number of ENSs per patient over a 48‐h period was 72 (range, 1–217). Phenobarbital administration was associated with a ≥50% reduction in seizure counts in five (41.7%) of 12 subjects.

Conclusions: ENSs were relatively common in a large, contemporary cohort of infants after infant heart surgery. A wide variation was noted in seizure burden, but many experienced numerous seizures. Electrographic neonatal seizures are a candidate outcome end point in future neuroprotection trials in this patient population.
Typical Absence Seizures Triggered by Photosensitivity
Authors: Baykan Betül , Matur Zeliha , Gürses Candan , Aykutlu Ebru , Gökyiğit Ayşen
Published: January 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To describe the characteristics of patients with typical absence seizures (TASs), consistently triggered by photosensitivity.

Methods: Consecutive patients having TAS induced by intermittent photic stimulation were included in the study. All clinical parameters, EEG, and video‐EEG data were assessed during the long‐term follow‐up. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 10.0 software.

Results: Nine female and two male patients with a mean age at onset of 14 ± 5.9 years (range, 7–27 years) and with a mean follow‐up of 9 ± 7.56 years had photosensitive TASs. They constituted 7.64% of absence epilepsies and 0.4% of all patients seen in our tertiary center. The seizures were usually subtle and had a reported frequency of 1 to 9 times daily. Seven patients were clinically photosensitive and reported that some of their TASs were induced by photic stimuli in daily life. All patients also had spontaneous TASs, and four of them had generalized tonic–clonic seizures. EEG results did not show any distinctive features when compared with those of other cases with TASs. Remission could not be achieved in five patients with antiepileptic drug treatments, and we always observed relapses after drug discontinuation or dose reduction in the remaining six cases in remission. Spontaneous remission did not occur even in the five patients older than 30 years.

Conclusions: TASs triggered by photosensitivity are a rare and heterogeneous clinical condition with a marked female preponderance. It is notable that TASs do not remit in these cases.
Taking People as They Are?
Authors: COHEN JOSHUA
Published: January 2005

My purpose is to consider if, in political society, there can be any legitimate and sure principle of government, taking men as they are and laws as they might be.

—Jean‐Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract

Following Rousseau's opening thought in The Social Contract…, I shall assume that his phrase “men as they are” refers to persons' moral and psychological natures and how that nature works within the framework of political and social institutions.

—John Rawls, The Law of peoples
Behaviour of walleye, Sander vitreus, and largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, exposed to different wave intensities and boat operating conditions during livewell confinement
Authors: SUSKI C. D. , COOKE S. J. , KILLEN S. S. , WAHL PHILIPP D. H., D. P. , TUFTS B. L.
Published: January 2005

Abstract  During live‐release angling tournaments in North America, fish are typically retained in livewells onboard boats during the angling day. Mortality of fish occurs at some tournaments, and wave intensities and livewell conditions may influence mortality levels. This study used two species of fish targeted in live‐release angling tournaments in North America (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides L. and walleye Sander vitreus L.) to quantify the response(s) of fish in livewells to different wave treatments. Video analyses revealed that largemouth bass were active during low intensity disturbances, but during violent boat movements tended to settle to the bottom of the livewell and orient to face the direction of the disturbance. Walleye were less active than bass for all treatments, and additionally did not orient to face the direction of disturbance, consequently contacting the side of the livewell during boat rocking. These results are considered in the context of mortality at live‐release tournaments.
Temperature dependent growth and yield of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, in Finnish lakes
Authors: LAPPALAINEN J. , MALINEN T. , RAHIKAINEN M. , VINNI M. , NYBERG K. , RUUHIJÄRVI J. , SALMINEN M.
Published: January 2005

Abstract  A non‐linear growth model was used to evaluate the effects of temperature and age on annual length increments of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), in seven lakes in Finland. Length increments were derived by back‐calculation using the Fraser–Lee method. Annual length increments increased from age 1 to age 3 and then decreased, while at the same time length increments and air temperature had positive correlation until age 12. Age‐ and size‐structured yield per recruit models were used in two lakes to evaluate the effects of temperature and gillnet mesh size on pikeperch yield. In these two lakes maximum yield could be obtained with 60 and 70 mm (bar length) gill nets. In the second lake, as typically in Finland, 45–50 mm gill nets are the most frequently used. The use of larger mesh size gill nets would increase pikeperch yield from 685 to 1000 g per recruit based on the present mean temperature. In both lakes increase in temperatures would increase yield if mesh size is simultaneously increased. Higher pikeperch yield can be expected in the future because of climate warming.
Selective opening of hydroelectric dam spillway gates for downstream migrant eels in New Zealand
Authors: WATENE E. M. , BOUBÉE J. A. T.
Published: January 2005

Abstract  Selective opening of the Patea hydroelectric dam spillway gates was examined for its potential to provide safe downstream passage for sexually mature (silver) eels in New Zealand. During autumn 2000, one of the spillway gates at the 82‐m high Patea Dam was opened for 2.5 h and a large fyke net set across the river about 1.5 km below the dam. Fifty one live endemic longfin eels Anguilla dieffenbachii (Gray), 60 live shortfin eels Anguilla australis (Richardson), and eight dead shortfin eels were captured. All but three of the eels caught were downstream migrants, and aside from the dead eel, only a small portion (5%) had external signs of injury. It was likely that the majority of the eels captured passed over the spillway, but some may have originated from the section of river between the dam and the net or gone through the turbines. To further test the ability of eels to survive passage over the spillway, three controlled spills were made in autumn 2001 and 102 eels released immediately upstream of the partially opened spillway gates. A net stretched across the base of the concrete spillway was used to recover the eels. Most of the eels recovered from the spillway had low levels of injury. However, during the third controlled spill, 10 wild migrant eels were also caught with none showing any external signs of injury. This indicated that the damage noted on the recovered eels were the result of handling rather than passage over the spillway. It was concluded that selective opening of hydroelectric dam spillway gates can provide safe downstream passage for migrant eels.
Effect of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid applied as a herbicide on fruit shedding and coffee yield
Authors: RONCHI C P , SILVA A A , TERRA A A , MIRANDA G V , FERREIRA L R
Published: January 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) applied as a herbicide at two timings after coffee blossoming, on fruit shedding from lower or upper plagiotropic branches on the canopy, as well as on crop yield. 2,4‐D was sprayed between the rows on a 0.75 m‐wide strip of land, starting on the border of canopy projection. Toxicity to the plants, final crop yield per plant and fruit shedding (FS) were assessed. The identical FS was observed for both application timings. Control plots showed an FS 13% lower than those where the highest 2,4‐D dose was employed. FS was greater on the lower branches (46.8%) than on the upper ones (39.4%). This was probably due to injury to the lower plant canopy caused by the 2,4‐D drift. Ripe or dried cherries and coffee bean yield per plant were not affected. It was concluded that despite the increased FS in the lower plant canopy, final coffee production was not significantly affected in response to 2,4‐D application.
How to model the effects of farming practices on weed emergence
Authors: COLBACH N , DÜRR C , ROGER‐ESTRADE J , CANEILL J
Published: January 2005

Early weed emergence models directly relate the weed seedbank to emerged seedlings, with constant emergence rates for each tillage tool. These models compare cropping systems at long term in a given region. Other models relate emergence to rain and air temperature. They are useful in no‐till systems with seeds close to soil surface. Recently, other authors split emergence into germination and pre‐emergence growth, depending on soil climate. But seed survival and dormancy as well as tillage were not yet integrated. Models advising farmers for strategic farming decisions in a large range of situations must split emergence into mechanistic relationships distinguishing the various underlying biological subprocesses in order to correctly quantify the effect of cropping system. The model AlomySys for Alopecurus myosuroides emergence follows this principle, based on submodels predicting (a) soil environment resulting from the cropping system, (b) vertical soil seed distribution after tillage, and (c) seed survival, germination and pre‐emergence growth depending on soil environment, seed depth, characteristics and past history. This model can be used to determine the optimal tillage modes and sowing dates, depending on the preceding crop succession, the following crop and the work constraints of the farmer.
Detecting the spatial component of variation in the weed community at the farm scale with variation partitioning by canonical correspondence analysis
Authors: HYVÖNEN T , HOLOPAINEN J , TIAINEN J
Published: January 2005

Variation partitioning by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was applied to analyse spatial variation in the species composition of a weed community for an area of farmland in southern Finland. The farmland, covering 450 ha, was sampled with a 60 m × 60 m grid. Data on weed species were collected along with the following groups of explanatory variables: spatial variables (the terms of second‐order polynomial trend surface regression equation generated on the x and y co‐ordinates of sample quadrats: x, y, x2, xy, y2, x2y and xy2), farmer variables (nine farms), soil variables (four soil types and pH value), crop variables (barley, oats, sugarbeet, potato and turnip rape) and physical variables (area of field, altitude, slope and aspect in four directions). The main variation in species composition along the first and second CCA axes was caused by interplay between farmer and crop variables. Farmer and crop variables explained more of the variation than did soil or physical variables. All the variables were to some extent spatially structured. The spatial variables contributed 54.5% of the total variation, of which pure spatial variation accounted for 12.2%. The highest covariation with spatial variables was detected with farmer (33.7%) and crop variables (25.7%). Variation partitioning by CCA is recommended for studying the relationship between the spatial variation in weed communities and explanatory variables.
Genetic diversity of Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica populations in Kenya
Authors: GETHI J G , SMITH M E , MITCHELL S E , KRESOVICH S
Published: January 2005

The parasitic angiosperms, Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica, severely constrain cereal production in sub‐Saharan Africa by causing huge losses in grain yield. Understanding the diversity of Striga populations is important because it allows identification of races or biotypes thus improving chances of breeding success. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to study genetic diversity among 17 populations of S. asiatica and 24 populations of S. hermonthica from Kenya. A total of 349 DNA fragments ranging from 51 to 500 bp were obtained from four EcoRI and MseI primer combinations. Genetic distances for S. asiatica populations ranged from 0.009 to 0.116 with a mean of 0.032. S. hermonthica populations had a genetic distance that ranged from 0.007 to 0.025 with a mean of 0.015. Only two clusters were found in S. asiatica populations whereas no apparent structure was evident in S. hermonthica populations. There was no evidence of isolation by distance for the two species. Although the low genetic diversity suggests Striga is relatively uniform across the populations studied, it is possible that pathogenicity and virulence genes may be located in genomic regions that were not sampled. The data, however, does not provide evidence to support diversification of both Striga species in the region where the study was conducted.
Product‐Line Length as a Competitive Tool
Authors: Draganska Michaela , Jain Dipak C.
Published: January 2005

The increasing number of consumer goods and services offered in recent years suggests that product‐line extensions have become a favored strategy of product managers. A larger assortment, it is often argued, keeps customers loyal and allows firms to charge higher prices. There is disagreement, however, about the extent to which a longer product line translates into higher profits. We develop an econometric model derived from a game‐theoretic perspective that explicitly considers firms' use of product‐line length as a competitive tool. On the demand side, we analytically establish the link between consumer choice and the length of the product line. Based on our derivations, we include a measure of line length in the utility function to investigate consumer preference for variety using a brand‐level discrete‐choice model. The supply side is characterized by price and line length competition between oligopolistic firms. For the empirical analysis we use market‐level data for the yogurt category. We find that there are decreasing returns to product‐line length. Based on a series of “what‐if” experiments, we derive recommendations for effective product line decisions in a competitive environment.
EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E AND SESAMIN ON HYPERTENSION AND CEREBRAL THROMBOGENESIS IN STROKE‐PRONE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Noguchi Takanori , Ikeda Katsumi , Sasaki Yasuto , Yamamoto Junichiro , Yamori Yukio
Published: January 2005

The preventive effects of sesamin, a lignan from sesame oil and vitamin E on hypertension and thrombosis were examined using stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Animals at 5 weeks of age were separated into four groups: (i) control group; (ii) vitamin E group, which was given 1000 mg alpha‐tocopherol/kg diet; (iii) sesamin group, given 1000 mg sesamin/kg diet; and (iv) vitamin E plus sesamin group, given 1000 mg alpha‐tocopherol plus 1000 mg sesamin/kg diet for 5 weeks from 5 to 10 weeks of age. Resting blood pressure was measured by the tail‐cuff method once weekly. A closed cranial window was created in the right parietal bone of the rat and platelet‐rich thrombi were induced in vivo using a helium‐neon laser technique. The number of laser pulses required for formation of an occlusive thrombus was used as an index of thrombotic tendency. In control rats, systolic blood pressure and the amount of urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) became significantly elevated with age. However, the elevation in blood pressure and 8‐OHdG were significantly suppressed in rats administered vitamin E, sesamin, or vitamin E plus sesamin. At 10 weeks, the number of laser pulses required to induce an occlusive thrombus in arterioles of the control group was significantly lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that chronic ingestion of vitamin E and sesamin attenuated both elevation in blood pressure, oxidative stress and thrombotic tendency, suggesting that these treatments might be beneficial in the prevention of hypertension and stroke.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLASMA AND HIPPOCAMPAL LIPID PEROXIDATION IN OBESE AND HYPERTENSIVE SHR/NDmcr‐cp RATS
Authors: Hashimoto Michio , Kubota Yoko , Tanaka Naoko , Yamaguchi Yu , Fujii Yoshimi , Kagota Satomi , Kawakita Eisuke , Shido Osamu , Kunitomo Masaru , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: January 2005

1. It has been suggested that hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes participate in the onset and development of dementia.

2. To understand cognitive dysfunction in metabolic syndrome, the relationship between the plasma and the hippocampus regarding fatty acid composition and lipid peroxidation was estimated in genetically hypertensive and obese SHR/NDmcr‐cp rats (SHR‐cp) aged 7–9 and 18–20 weeks.

3. Levels of total fatty acids and lipid peroxide in the plasma were much higher (by 200–500%) in SHR‐cp compared with age‐matched control rats (Wistar‐Kyoto rats). However, in the hippocampus these levels were not significantly different between the two groups of rats.

4. Levels of hippocampal lipid peroxide in both groups increased significantly with ageing.

5. These results indicate that, in SHR‐cp, lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus would not be affected even if plasma levels of fatty acids and lipid peroxide increased markedly, when ageing is not a predicative factor.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMOKING HABITS AND SERUM OXYGEN RADICAL ABSORBANCE CAPACITY AND DIETARY INTAKE IN JAPANESE ADULTS
Authors: Ueda Yukiko , Trung Duc Son Le Nguyen , Inoue Hiromi , Kunii Daisuke , Yamamoto Shigeru , Azuma Masami
Published: January 2005

1. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of smoking habits on dietary intake, serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and lifestyle in Japanese adults.

2. Lifestyle factors were recorded by questionnaire and dietary intake was measured by a single 24 h food recall. Blood was collected under fasting conditions for analysis.

3. Smokers had lower intakes of vitamin C, fruits and dark green and yellow vegetables (DGYV), higher consumption of alcohol, lower physical activity and lower ORAC values than non‐smokers. Body mass index (BMI), serum total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) increased, whereas high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL‐C) decreased with an increase in the amount smoked, but there were no significant differences between smokers and non‐smokers.

4. It is considered that high cancer and cardiovascular risks among smokers are also reinforced by undesirable lifestyle factors other than smoking.
EFFECTS OF VOLUNTARY EXERCISE ON CEREBRAL THROMBOSIS and ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS (SHRSP/IZM)
Authors: Sasaki Yasuto , Noguchi Takanori , Yamamoto Etsuko , Giddings John C , Ikeda Katsumi , Yamamoto Junichiro , Yamori Yukio
Published: January 2005

1. Effects of voluntary exercise on blood pressures, oxidative stress, urinary nitric oxide (NO) level and expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) mRNA were studied in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP/Izm).

2. SHRSP at the age of 6 weeks were divided into four groups: (i) the control group, sedentary group; (ii) the l‐NAME group, which was the sedentary control group given l‐NAME (5 mg/kg per day) in drinking water; (iii) the exercise group, which was allowed to run voluntarily on running wheel attached to the metal cages; and (iv) the exercise plus l‐NAME group which was loaded exercise and given l‐NAME solution for 3 weeks.

3. The bodyweight and systolic pressure of rats were increased with age and the bodyweight of the rats in an exercise plus l‐NAME group was less than control but systolic pressure in the exercise group were significantly lower than control.

4. Thrombotic tendency assessed by He‐Ne laser method in an exercise group was significantly decreased compared with the rest of the groups.

5. Urinary nitrite/nitrate level was significantly increased in the exercise group compared with before (6 weeks) and after exercise (9 weeks), but there were no significant differences in the rest of groups.

6. eNOS mRNA expression of aorta in the exercise group measured after exercise was significantly higher than the other groups.

7. Urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) level after exercise was significantly decreased in the exercise group compared with before exercise.

8. These results suggested that voluntary exercise decreased thrombotic tendency by increasing NO level through enhanced expression of eNOS mRNA and antioxidative effects.
EFFECT OF A SOYBEAN PRODUCT ON SERUM LIPID LEVELS IN FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Takahashi Kyoko , Kamada Yoko , Hiraoka‐Yamamoto Junko , Mori Mari , Nagata Ryuko , Hashimoto Kayo , Aizawa Toru , Matsuda Kenichi , Kometani Takashi , Ikeda Katsumi , Yamori Yukio
Published: January 2005

1. A dietary intervention study targeting female students by using cake containing soybean protein and isoflavone was conducted. Female students (n = 120) were divided into three Groups (A, 6.26 g of soybean protein and isoflavone at 50 mg/day; B, 1.36 g soybean protein and isoflavone 50 mg; and C, a wheat puff as placebo). Intervention period was 4 weeks. The ratio of hypercholesterol in each group indicated a high value; A: 25%, B: 17.9% and C: 24.4%.

2. Total cholesterol as well as the rate of hypercholesterolemia decreased in Group A. The average total cholesterol significantly reduced (P < 0.001) from 242 ± 17 to 220 ± 25 mg/dL in Group A.

3. Dietary intake of soy protein for 4 weeks could be effective in reducing CHD risk among Japanese female students with a high plasma cholesterol level.
CORONARY VASODILATORY RESPONSE TO A NOVEL PEPTIDE, ADRENOMEDULLIN 2
Authors: Kobayashi Yuta , Liu Ying‐Ju , Gonda Tatsuo , Takei Yoshio
Published: January 2005

1. Adrenomedullin‐2 (AM2) is a novel peptide originally found in a fish and it is structurally related to mammalian AM or fish AM1. Cloning of AM2 cDNA in the mouse, rat and human has been successful. In the present study, the vasodilatory effect of synthetic human AM2 was analysed in isolated artery ring preparations of porcine.

2. Vasodilatory effect of AM2 was the most potent in the coronary artery, followed by the carotid and supramesenteric arteries, but absent in the femoral, pulmonary and renal arteries.

3. The effect of AM2 was equipotent with that of human AM/AM1 in these arteries.

4. AM2‐induced relaxation was inhibited by human CGRP (8–37), but not by human AM/AM1 (22–52), suggesting that the vasodilatory response to AM2 is mediated through the CGRP1 receptor.

5. AM2 may share the same receptor (complex) with AM/AM1 for the vasorelaxation. This is the first report of the vasodilatory responses to AM2 in isolated vasculature.
IMPACT OF DIET ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PROFILE OF JAPANESE IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN BRAZIL: CONTRIBUTIONS OF WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION CARDIAC and MONALISA STUDIES
Authors: Moriguchi EH , Moriguchi Y , Yamori Y
Published: January 2005

1. Japanese immigrants from Okinawa living in Brazil have a higher mortality from cardiovascular diseases and have their mean life expectancy shortened compared with their counterparts living in Japan.

2. A cross‐sectional study comparing Okinawans living in Okinawa (OO) and Okinawan immigrants living in Brazil (OB) was designed to characterize the dietary factors that could interfere with the profile of cardiovascular risk factors and with this reduction on the life expectancy when Okinawans emigrate to Brazil.

3. In total, 234 OO and 160 OB (aged 45–59 years) were recruited to the present study to undergo medical and dietary history, blood pressure measurement, electrocardiograph (ECG), blood tests and 24 h food/urine collection.

4. In the present study, OO subjects presented with 37% less obesity and 50% less systemic hypertension than OB. The OB subjects used threefold more antihypertensive medication than OO. Meat intake was 34% higher in OB than OO, whereas fish intake was sevenfold higher in OO than OB. Serum potassium levels were 10% higher in OO than OB. Urinary taurine (an index of seafood intake) was 43% higher in OO than OB. Urinary isoflavones (an index of the intake of soy products) were significantly lower in OB than in OO. Of acid (20 : 5) and docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6) were two‐ and threefold higher in OO than OB, respectively.

5. The rate of ischaemic ECG changes in OO subjects was only 50% of that of OB subjects.

6. There were no differences in the smoking rate between OO and OB sugjects.

7. The results of the present study suggest that coronary risk factors and cardiovascular health are not only regulated by genetic factors, but that the impact of lifestyle (mainly diet) can be large enough to modulate the expression of genes.
WORLDWIDE EPIDEMIC OF OBESITY: HOPE FOR JAPANESE DIETS
Authors: Yamori Yukio
Published: January 2005

1. WHO‐coordinated Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Comparison Study (CARDIAC) and its follow‐up, MONALISA Study covering 60 populations in 25 countries indicated an increasing prevalence of obesity, even in developing countries.

2. The index of obesity, BMI was confirmed to be related positively with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in 60 CARDIAC populations and with the age‐adjusted mortality rates of coronary heart diseases (CHD) in 25 populations where reliable demographic data were available.

3. CHD mortality rates were inversely related with biomarkers for soy bean and fish intakes, isoflavones and taurine in 24‐h urine samples in 25 CARDIAC study populations.

4. Population samples were divided into two groups: soy eaters and‐non‐eaters as well as fish eaters and non‐eaters, respectively, based on WHO‐CARDIAC study data. Soy eaters as well as fish eaters had significantly lower BMI, BP and serum cholesterol levels, which are three major CHD risk factors.

5. BMI was inversely related with 24‐h urinary isoflavones excretion, the biomarker of soy intake and also with 24‐h urinary excretion of histidine, relatively rich in fish.

6. Since both nutrients, isoflavones as phytoestrogen and histidine as the precursor of histamine may affect central appetite mechanisms, soy and fish intake may be recommended to control obesity, the major common risk of lifestyle‐related diseases.
Total spinal anesthesia during combined general–epidural anesthesia in a 7‐year‐old child
Authors: Kipnis E. , Desoutter E. , Dalmas S. , Marciniak B.
Published: January 2005

Total spinal anesthesia (TSA) is a rare complication of lumbar epidural anesthesia through inadvertent spinal injection of local anesthetics following an undiagnosed dural breach or spinal placement of the catheter. TSA has rarely been reported in children. TSA occurred during epidural anesthesia in a 7‐year‐old child undergoing abdominal surgery. Recent previous lumbar punctures and intrathecal chemotherapy for Burkitt's lymphoma at the same level may have facilitated dural breach. Epidural anesthesia should not be attempted at the same intervertebral level as prior recent lumbar punctures.
Comparison of laser acupuncture and metoclopramide in PONV prevention in children
Authors: Butkovic Diana , Toljan Sanja , Matolic Martina , Kralik Sandra , Radešić Ljerka
Published: January 2005

Background : Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent side effects of general anesthesia in children. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of laser acupuncture with metoclopramide in prevention of PONV in children after sevoflurane anesthesia.

Methods : A total of 120 children ASA I and II, scheduled for hernia repair, circumcision or orchidopexy were randomly assigned into three groups: group I, received laser acupuncture on P6 point and saline infusion; group II, metoclopramide 0.1 mg·kg−1 i.v. and sham laser; group III had sham laser and saline infusion. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and N2O/O2. Patients were monitored for any symptoms of retching and vomiting at 2, 6 and 24 h postoperatively.

Results : The incidence of vomiting was higher in the control group in the first 2 h postoperatively (P < 0.001), compared with the other groups. There was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and metoclopramide groups in occurrence and timing of vomiting (P < 0.001).

Conclusion : Laser acupuncture is equally effective as metoclopramide in preventing PONV in children.
Propofol total intravenous anesthesia for MRI in children
Authors: Usher Andrew G. , Kearney Ramona A. , Tsui Ban C.H.
Published: January 2005

Background:  The aim of this study was to assess clinical signs of airway patency, airway intervention requirements and adverse events in 100 children receiving propofol total intravenous anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging, with spontaneous ventilation and oxygenation via nasal prongs.

Methods:  Airway patency was clinically assessed and stepwise interventions were performed until a satisfactory airway was achieved. Propofol requirements, vital signs, procedure times and adverse events were also recorded.

Results:  Ninety‐three per cent of children had no signs of airway obstruction when positioned with a shoulder roll only, two required a chin lift, four required an oral airway and one required lateral positioning. The mean propofol induction dose was 3.9 mg·kg−1 (range 1.8–6.4 mg·kg−1). The mean propofol infusion rate was 193 μg·kg−1·min−1 (range 150–250 μg·kg−1·min−1). The initial and final mean respiratory rates were 26 and 23 b·min−1 (P < 0.05). Movement was more likely at lower infusion rates (mean 175 μg·kg−1·min−1). There were no respiratory or cardiovascular complications (calculated risk: 95% CI = 0–3%). The mean time from end of scan to discharge home was 44 min.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates good preservation of upper airway patency and rapid recovery using general anesthetic doses of propofol in children.
Dose minimization study of single‐dose epidural morphine in patients undergoing hip surgery under regional anesthesia with bupivacaine
Authors: Castillo‐Zamora Carlos , Castillo‐Peralta Luz Antonia , Nava‐Ocampo Alejandro A.
Published: January 2005

Background : In order to decrease the rate of adverse effects, we aimed to identify the lowest analgesic dose of epidural morphine administered to patients undergoing hip surgery.

Methods : Forty‐five ASA I‐II children undergoing surgical correction of hip dysplasia under caudal or epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine were randomized to receive epidural morphine 11.2, 15 or 20 μg·kg−1 (groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; 15 patients per group) immediately after completion of surgery. Postoperative pain control, sedation, motor block, urinary retention, pruritus and vomiting were evaluated.

Results : In the recovery room, 46.7% of patients from group 1, 33.3% from group 2, and 93.3% from group 3 were sleeping but were easy to arouse (x2 = 12.2; P < 0.005). The rest of the patients from each respective group were completely asleep. The cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were within normal limits. The ability to move the legs returned approximately 1 h after surgery in all three groups. Seven patients (46.7%) from group 1, nine (60%) from group 2, and 13 patients (86.7%) from group 3 vomited (x2 = 5.4; P = 0.06). One patient receiving 20 μg·kg−1 morphine experienced urinary retention. One patient receiving 15 μg·kg−1 morphine suffered from pruritus. The duration of analgesia was similar, 12–14 h, in all three groups.

Conclusions : In patients undergoing hip surgery under regional anesthesia with bupivacaine, epidural morphine at a dose of 11.2 μg·kg−1 administered immediately after completion of the procedure resulted in adequate pain relief for more than 12 h. Explanation of the high rate of patients vomiting (>45%) remains to be elucidated.
Cephalad origin of the superior vena cava and the level of the central venous catheter tip on chest radiographs
Authors: ARAI TOSHIMI , YAMASHITA MASAO
Published: January 2005

Background : There are suggested radiographic landmarks for the lower margin of the superior vena cava (SVC), but none for the cephalad origin of the SVC in children. Therefore, we determined the cephalad origin of the SVC in relation to the level of thoracic vertebrae in children.

Methods : Sixty‐five patients (2–96 months) scheduled for routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization were the subjects of the study. Vena cavogram was obtained. The crossing point between the SVC and the innominate vein was considered as the cephalad origin of the SVC, then this point was related to the level of the thoracic vertebra as a radiographic landmark.

Results : In approximately 90% of the patients studied the proximal origin of the SVC was situated above the level of Th4/5 interspace.

Conclusion : We would like to suggest that the position of the tip of central venous line, when inserted via the right internal jugular vein, should optimally be at the level of Th4/5 interspace on the postoperative chest radiograph.
Magnetic resonance imaging under sedation in newborns and infants: a study of 640 cases using sevoflurane
Authors: DE SANCTIS BRIGGS VICENTE
Published: January 2005

Background : The purpose of the present study was to show that sevoflurane is a safe and effective agent for the sedation of newborns and infants who are to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations.

Methods : The study was performed on 640 infants aged from 1 day to 12 months given sevoflurane in high concentrations – up to 7% at the 2 min induction peak. Following induction and during MRI examination, the children were maintained with spontaneous respiration and sedation levels with a sevoflurane concentration of approximately 1.5–2%, in combination with a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (50% O2–50% N2O).

Results : Sedation proved optimal in 97.9% of cases and complications were one case of vomiting, eight cases of minor hypoxia and two of severe hypoxia. No case of prolonged sedation or postoperative emergence agitation was observed.

Conclusions : Sevoflurane is an ideal agent for this type of diagnostic procedure in newborns and infants. We discuss the need for elaborating specific protocols for pediatric sedation and emphasize the strict observation of recommendations, which include the practical experience and up‐to‐date specialized training of the anesthesiologist carrying out sedation procedures in children.
Use of intravenous midazolam and clonidine in cyclical vomiting syndrome: a case report
Authors: PALMER GRETA M , CAMERON DONALD JS
Published: January 2005

We report a case of a teenage boy with cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) who was referred to the anesthesia‐run postoperative pain service for symptom management. His symptoms were uncontrolled by oral pizotifen prophylaxis and acute therapy with intravenous (IV) hydration and ondansetron. A continuous low dose IV midazolam infusion was added to his treatment regimen (as is instituted for recalcitrant postoperative nausea and vomiting) with benefit, but not total symptom resolution. Recent literature review suggested links between migraine, CVS and adrenergic autonomic dysfunction. Consequently, IV clonidine was administered, in addition, with recovery. This combination was reinstituted successfully on subsequent admissions and emergency department presentations with shortened episode durations from 4–5 days to 16–48 h. It is uncertain if clonidine's sympatholytic effects were significantly beneficial or if associated sedation or natural resolution were contributors. Many agents have been used in CVS therapy but no trials have been done. Neither midazolam nor clonidine has been reported previously as used in the treatment of CVS. The apparent success of this combination raises possibilities both for future trials and research into the pathogenesis of CVS.
Proposed involvement of a soluble methane monooxygenase homologue in the cyclohexane‐dependent growth of a new Brachymonas species
Authors: Brzostowicz Patricia C. , Walters Dana M. , Jackson Raymond E. , Halsey Kimberly H. , Ni Hao , Rouvière Pierre E.
Published: January 2005

High‐throughput mRNA differential display (DD) was used to identify genes induced by cyclohexane in Brachymonas petroleovorans CHX, a recently isolated β‐proteobacterium that grows on cyclohexane. Two metabolic gene clusters were identified multiple times in independent reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT‐PCR) in the course of this DD experiment. These clusters encode genes believed to be required for cyclohexane metabolism. One gene cluster (8 kb) encodes the subunits of a multicomponent hydroxylase related to the soluble butane of Pseudomonas butanovora and methane monooxygenases (sMMO) of methanotrophs. We propose that this butane monooxygenase homologue carries out the oxidation of cyclohexane into cyclohexanol during growth. A second gene cluster (11 kb) contains almost all the genes required for the oxidation of cyclohexanol to adipic acid. Real‐time PCR experiments confirmed that genes from both clusters are induced by cyclohexane. The role of the Baeyer–Villiger cyclohexanone monooxygenase of the second cluster was confirmed by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli.