bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fixation Stability among Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Kissler Johanna , Clementz Brett A.
Published: April 2003

Twenty-four schizophrenia and 26 normal subjects were presented targets for fixation at ±17.5° and 0° of visual angle. The manner in which stimuli were presented allowed us to evaluate for the presence of gaze-evoked and rebound drifts, and for frequency of saccades at both eccentric and central fixation. Schizophrenia patients and normal subjects had remarkably similar performance regardless of stimulus condition. These results suggest that the gaze-holding apparatus is functioning normally among schizophrenia patients, a finding that is not easily attributable to either medication effects and/or low statistical power. These data are another indication that schizophrenia patients have specific, not general, abnormalities of ocular motor control.
Upregulation of the Platelet Serotonin2A Receptor and Low Blood Serotonin in Suicidal Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Rao Marie Luise , Hawellek Barbara , Papassotiropoulos Andreas , Deister Arno , Frahnert Christine
Published: April 2003

Suicidality has been found to be associated with low pre- and postsynaptic serotonin functioning. The purpose of this study was to examine whether in acutely suicidal psychiatric inpatients, the blood serotonin concentration was related to the underlying psychiatric disorder and whether it was associated with changes in the affinity (dissociation constant, KD) or in the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of the platelet serotonin2A receptor. We therefore determined the blood serotonin concentrations and the platelet serotonin2A receptor activities of 45 suicidal psychiatric patients and 20 healthy subjects. We found that the blood serotonin concentrations were significantly lower in suicidal patients compared to healthy subjects. In all diagnostic categories (affective disorder, schizophrenia and adjustment disorder) we noted a significantly higher maximal binding capacity of the platelet serotonin2A receptor. These findings support the notion that a reduction in the availability of serotonin and an upregulation of the serotonin2A receptors in psychiatric patients are associated with a loss of control over suicidal impulses.
Tacrine Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Many Expectations,Few Certainties
Authors: Malaguarnera Mariano , Pistone Giovanni , Vinci Maria , Motta Massimo , di Fazio Ignazio , Rampello Liborio
Published: April 2003

Quality of life and behavioral functions are severely reduced in patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among the drugs employed in the treatment of this invalidating degenerative dementia, tacrine (THA) seemed to play a possible therapeutic role. Our study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of THA in the treatment of AD, performing a comparison with lecithin and/or placebo treatment. Five randomized controlled trials on tacrine versus lecithin and/or placebo treatment were randomly selected. Mantel-Haenszel-Peto method was applied. Patients treated with tacrine achieved better results than control subjects (overall OR = 2.34; 95% CI 1.42–3.85); but long-term treatment with tacrine was not significantly more efficacious than placebo. Statistical significance in favor of THA versus other drugs employed was obtained in MMSE and ADAS-Cog tests in the studies carried out by Eagger et al. and Knapp et al. Moreover, Fitten et al. administered the highest tolerated THA dose to only a few patients enrolled in the study. The presence of broad CIs observed in the 5 meta-analytic studies infer non homogeneity of effects of treatment. Solely few patients improved, whereas the clinical conditions of the majority remained stationary. Between 5 and 10% of the outpatients in each single study presented reversible side effects calling for suspension of THA treatment. The optimal dose ranged between 80 and 160 mg THA, but often produced side effects. Comparative trials revealed the reduced efficacy and elevated toxicity of THA treatment, dampening the initial enthusiasm concerning the usefulness of this drug in AD. Furtermore, tacrine-induced side effects provoked many dropouts in all studies investigated. The effectiveness of tacrine treatment in AD disease was not fully confirmed. Other studies are required to identify doses and modalities of administration of this drug in AD.
The Electrically Elicited Startle Blink Reflex in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Threshold Study of Different Reflex Components
Authors: Meincke Ulrich , Töpper Rudolf , Hoff Paul
Published: April 2003

The electrically elicited blink reflex consists of three components (R1, R2, R3). In humans the excitability of these components is influenced by attentional states. In particular, distraction from the stimulus leads to facilitation of the bilateral R2 and R3. The present study was performed in order to investigate the excitability of the different components of the electrically evoked blink reflex in 13 patients with schizophrenia and 13 normal controls under standard conditions. Therefore, the thresholds of the distinct components were determined without any inhibitory or facilitatory procedure. There was no significant difference in R1 and R2 thresholds between patients and controls. In contrast, the R3 threshold was significantly reduced in schizophrenic patients (R3 threshold = 17.5 mA in normal subjects, 10.5 mA in patients, p = 0.0001). In recent studies the R3 magnitude was found to be highly susceptible to changes in the attentional state of normal subjects. The lower threshold of R3 in patients with schizophrenia might therefore be a neurophysiological marker of attentional dysfunctions in schizophrenia.
Olfaction and Hemispheric Asymmetry: Unilateral Stimulation and Bilateral Electrodermal Recordings
Authors: Brand Gérard , Millot Jean-Louis , Henquell Danielle
Published: April 2003

The study of hemispheric asymmetry in olfaction in human subjects has given rise to many publications, but the findings have often been contradictory. This study used bilateral electrodermal activity recordings with unilateral stimulation as a measure of functional hemispheric asymmetry. A specific odorant (lavender) was used by monorhinic (single nostril) stimulation on 30 dextral subjects (20 females and 10 males). Intraindividually, the results showed no difference between the two nostrils, but all subjects exhibited a constant direction of electrodermal asymmetry: 20 subjects systematically showed a greater response amplitude for the right hand and 10 subjects systematically showed a greater response amplitude for the left hand, whatever hemisphere stimulated.
Neurotransmitters, Neuroendocrine Correlates of Sensation-Seeking Temperament in Normal Humans
Authors: Gerra G. , Avanzini P. , Zaimovic A. , Sartori R. , Bocchi C. , Timpano M. , Zambelli U. , Delsignore R. , Gardini F. , Talarico E. , Brambilla F.
Published: April 2003

Correlations between sensation-seeking (SS) personality dimension and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine, and NE-dependent testosterone (T), cortisol and prolactin (PRL) were studied in 74 physically and psychologically healthy male volunteers, in order to see whether or not the noradrenergic system is involved in the modulation of this personality trait. Novelty-seeking scores by the Temperament and Character Inventory and SS scores on a Visual Analog Scale were positively correlated with plasma NE, T and PRL levels, suggesting that NE and the downstream cascade of NE-dependent hormones, together with other monoaminergic changes, might be responsible for the development and the degree of this temperamental character.
Season of Birth in Panic Disorder
Authors: Castrogiovanni Paolo , Iapichino Sonia , Pacchierotti Claudia , Pieraccini Fulvio
Published: April 2003

Several studies have investigated the seasonal distribution of the birth dates of patients with psychiatric diseases. Our purpose was to verify if there is a specific distribution (by month) of birth dates in subjects with panic disorder (PD). The birth dates of 843 outpatients with a diagnosis of PD were compared with those of 1,181 subjects with other mental diseases. The birth dates of psychiatric patients were compared to those of the general Tuscane and Italian populations. The monthly distribution of birth in patients with PD (with and without comorbidity) peaked in September to December, while no relevant deviation in birth rate was observed in other mental diseases. Our results suggest a pathogenic role of birth seasonality in the development of PD.
Sleep Impairments in Rats Implanted with Morphine Pellets
Authors: Robert C. , Stinus L. , Limoge A.
Published: April 2003

Morphine pellets (2 × 75 mg) were subcutaneously implanted in rats and vigilance states (wakefulness, slow wave sleep and paradoxical sleep) were observed during ten days. Significant impairment of each vigilance state distribution appeared during the first days of morphine dependence. Although waking and slow wave sleep were not affected during the last days, paradoxical sleep duration was reduced during dependence. Nevertheless, the sleep-wake circadian rhythm was not abolished. These results suggest that the sleep process is affected differently in its components (slow wave sleep and paradoxical sleep) during morphine dependence.
An Interaction between the Catechol O-Methyltransferase and Serotonin Transporter Promoter Region Polymorphisms Contributes to Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire Persistence Scores in Normal Subjects
Authors: Benjamin Jonathan , Osher Yamima , Lichtenberg Pesach , Bachner-Melman Rachel , Gritsenko Inga , Kotler Moshe , Belmaker Robert H. , Valsky Vadim , Drendel Michael , Ebstein Richard P.
Published: April 2003

Persistence (RD2) is a subscale of the reward dependence trait, one of the three major personality factors assessed by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). Subjects with high RD2 scores are characterized as industrious, hard-working, ambitious, perfectionistic. TPQ scores were examined in 577 normal subjects inventoried for two common genetic polymorphisms, the catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) valine to methionine (val to met) amino acid substitution that determines high and low enzyme activity, and the serotonin transporter promoter region 44 bp deletion (5-HTTLPR) linked in some studies to harm avoidance or neuroticism. When TPQ RD2 scores are grouped by COMT and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms and analyzed by two-way ANOVA, significant main effects for COMT (F = 2.98, p = 0.05) and 5-HTTLPR (F = 4.27, p = 0.04) and a significant interaction COMT × 5-HTTLPR (F = 6.18, p = 0.002) are observed. In the presence of COMT homozygosity (val/val or met/met genotypes), the presence of the short 5-HTTLPR allele raises RD2 scores. The effect of these two polymorphisms on RD2 was also examined using a within-families design. Siblings in our data set who shared identical genotypes had significantly correlated RD2 scores (intraclass coefficient = 0.34, F = 2.03, p = 0.002, n = 67), whereas sibs with dissimilar genotypes in at least one polymorphism showed no significant correlation for RD2 scores (intraclass coefficient = 0.105, F = 1.23, p = 0.16, n = 92).
Effect of Lithium Carbonate on the Enhancement of Serotonin 2A Receptor Elicited by Dexamethasone
Authors: Jitsuiki Hiroaki , Kagaya Ariyuki , Goto Shinichiro , Horiguchi Jun , Yamawaki Shigeto
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chronic dexamethasone (Dex) administration induces serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor supersensitivity and if chronic lithium carbonate (Li) administration contributes to the normalization of 5-HT2A receptor supersensitivity induced by Dex in rat brain. We investigated the effects of a 14-day administration of Dex and/or Li on changes in body weight (BW), on plasma corticosterone levels, on plasma lithium levels, on 5-HT2A receptor binding sites, and on (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2 aminopropane (DOI)-induced wet dog shake (WDS), which is mediated by 5-HT2A receptor in rats. Dex significantly reduced the BW of rats. Li did not have any effect on BW gain and did not prevent the BW loss induced by Dex. The plasma corticosterone levels of rats treated with Dex were too low to be detected. Li did not have any effect on corticosterone levels and did not prevent the decrease in the corticosterone levels induced by Dex. Six hours after the last treatment, the plasma lithium levels of rats treated with Li were significantly higher than those of rats treated with Dex/Li. Chronic Dex administration resulted in a significant increase in the density (Bmax) of the 5-HT2A receptor without a significant change in the affinity (Kd). The increase in the Bmax induced by Dex was not prevented by chronic combined treatment with Dex and Li. Chronic Dex administration potentiated the WDS, and this increase was prevented by chronic combined treatment with Dex and Li. Chronic Li administration did not have any effect on WDS. These results indicate that chronic Li administration may improve the supersensitivity of the 5-HT2A receptor elicited by chronic Dex administration without decreasing the density of the 5-HT2A receptor, and the effect of Li was also independent of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function.
Peripheral and Central Nervous System Alterations in Hypothyroidism: Electrophysiological Findings
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , El Toony Lobna F. , Tarkhan Mohamed N. , Abdella Gamal
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study is to evaluate objectively the functional changes in the nervous system in hypothyroidism by different electrophysiological parameters and to determine the frequencies of these changes in patients with hypothyroidism. We enrolled 23 patients (17–64 years old, mean 38.2) with biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism, with thyroxine less than 4 μg/dl and thyrotropin above 4.5 mU/ml, and 200 age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Detailed clinical examination and electrophysiological measurements included electromyography, motor conduction velocity, visual-evoked potentials (VEPs), brainstem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs) and event-related potentials. Determinations of P300, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (IQ) and electroencephalography (EEG) were performed. Of the hypothyroid patients 52% had peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement. Entrapment neuropathy was the commonest (35%). Axonal neuropathy was recorded in 9% and myopathy was recorded in another 9%. The central nervous system (CNS) was affected in 78% of the cases. Significant prolongations of P100 latency of VEP, latency and interpeak latency of BAEPs of different waves of hypothyroid patients were compared to the control group. 52% had abnormal VEPs and BAEPs above the mean ± 2 SD of the normal control group. Six patients (26%) had prolonged P300 latency while 16 patients had an IQ below 90. Eight patients (35%) had EEG changes. Diffuse slowing of background activity was the commonest. No significant correlation was observed between hormonal levels and the different electrophysiological parameters. Thus, the CNS is more vulnerable to the effect of hypothyroidism than the PNS. Therefore, we suggest performing electrophysiological studies in hypothyroid patients, even in the asymptomatic ones, early in the course of disease in order to detect the nervous system involvement.
Acute Nicotine Administration in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Exploratory EEG Study
Authors: Knott Verner , Engeland Christopher , Mohr Erich , Mahoney Colleen , Ilivitsky Vadim
Published: April 2003

Previous findings of cognitive deficits and EEG slowing in Alheimer’s patients, together with independent reports of the performance enhancing and electrocortical activating properties of nicotine in normal adults, stimulated this study to examine the acute effects of nicotine on spectrum-analyzed EEG in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Thirteen patients, 6 currently receiving cholinesterase inhibitor treatment and the remaining being medication free, were administered 2 mg of nicotine polacrilex under randomized, placebo-controlled conditions. Compared to age-regressed EEG norms, the pretreatment EEG spectrums of patients in general were characterized by excessive slow (delta and theta)-wave power, diminished fast (alpha and beta)-wave power and slow mean alpha and total band frequencies. Although postnicotine EEG indices remained within the abnormal range, nicotine, compared to placebo, significantly shifted EEG towards normal values by reducing slow wave (relative delta and theta) power and augmenting fast (relative alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1) wave power. No differences were observed between treated and nontreated patients in response to nicotine. The results are discussed in relation to cholinergic and brain arousal systems and their relationship to cognitive processes.
Aggressive Behavioral Characteristics and Endogenous Hormones in Women with Bulimia nervosa
Authors: Cotrufo P. , Monteleone P. , d’Istria M. , Fuschino A. , Serino I. , Maj M.
Published: April 2003

Increased aggressiveness frequently occurs in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), but its neurobiological correlates have been poorly investigated. In this study, we investigated possible relationships between such clinical measure and blood levels of endogenous hormones in patients with BN. Morning plasma levels of testosterone, 17β-estradiol, prolactin (PRL) and cortisol were measured in 33 bulimic women and 22 healthy female controls. The eating-related psychopathology, depression and aggressiveness were rated by specific psychometric scales. Bulimic patients showed decreased plasma levels of PRL and 17β-estradiol, and increased concentrations of cortisol and testosterone. Moreover, patients scored higher than healthy controls on rating scales assessing eating-related psychopathology, depressive symptoms and aggressiveness. A significant positive correlation was found between testosterone plasma levels and aggressiveness in patients but not in controls. These findings suggest that in BN, increased plasma levels of testosterone may play a role in the modulation of aggressiveness.
Zolpidem and Promethazine in Pre-Anaesthetic Medication
Authors: Uhlig Thomas , Hüppe Michael , Brand Kirsten , Heinze Julika , Schmucker Peter
Published: April 2003

This study dealt with the question: What are the effects of different doses of the benzodiazepine-like agent zolpidem and the phenothiazine derivative promethazine on mood in pre-anaesthetic medication? Subjects were 192 female and male patients awaiting elective surgery. Two drugs were administered to the patients in the evening before anaesthesia according to a 3 × 2 factorial randomized double-blind design. The first drug factor was zolpidem (8.03 vs. 16.06 mg) versus placebo. These drugs were combined with the second drug factor, either promethazine (50 mg) or placebo. In summary, the results confirm the hypothesis that zolpidem 8.03 mg can induce paradoxical effects, especially of anxiety, 1 h after application. When the dosage is doubled, no adverse effects are found, but there are no effects different from placebo either. Men could probably be described as a risk population for the adverse effects of zolpidem 8.03 mg. Furthermore, selective deactivating effects of promethazine 50 mg were shown in this study. In addition to these anaesthesiological aspects, this study showed promethazine to be useful as a research tool, suitable as a reference drug to detect deactivating effects. The multidimensional self-report inventory BSKE(EWL) (Befindlichkeitsskalierung durch Kategorien und Eigenschaftswörter) detected the expected drug effects, indicating that this instrument is suitable for further pharmacopsychological research.
Clinical Course of Newly Developed or Progressive Patchy Chorioretinal Atrophy in Pathological Myopia
Authors: Ito-Ohara Mutsuko , Seko Yuko , Morita Hiroyuki , Imagawa Nobuo , Tokoro Takashi
Published: April 2003

Regional chorioretinal atrophy in the posterior fundus (patchy chorioretinal atrophy) in pathological myopia impairs vision severely when it covers the macula. The aim of this study was to assess the course of development and progression of patchy chorioretinal atrophy in pathological myopia. The location and progression of patchy chorioretinal atrophy that was either newly developed or had progressed during the follow-up period (mean 5.25 years) were analyzed. A total of 41 lesions of patchy atrophy were newly developed in 30 eyes of 25 patients. These lesions were more likely to occur in marginal regions of a posterior staphyloma but frequency per unit area was highest in the macula. There were 138 lesions of patchy chorioretinal atrophy that progressed in 75 eyes of 53 patients. Sixty percent of the lesions of patchy chorioretinal atrophy in marginal regions of a posterior staphyloma spread toward the center. Seventy percent of the lesions of patchy chorioretinal atrophy in the macula spread in all directions. Fluorescein angiography of newly developed patchy chorioretinal atrophy showed hyperfluorescence in 50% and hypofluorescence in 27%. Fluorescein angiography of progressive lesions of patchy chorioretinal atrophy showed hypofluorescence in 69%. Fluorescein angiography of some progressive areas of patchy chorioretinal atrophy, which showed a change from hyperfluorescence to hypofluorescence within several years, suggested that damage to the retinal pigment epithelium preceded the progression of the patchy chorioretinal atrophy. In conclusion, the patchy chorioretinal atrophy is most likely to occur in the macula and to enlarge in all directions. And it is suggested that the patchy chorioretinal atrophy which shows hyperfluorescence by fluorescein angiography should be kept under observation because our data suggest that this finding indicates progression in the future.
Clinical and Histopathological Features of a Large Parapharyngeal Neurilemmoma Located at the Base of the Tongue
Authors: Spandow Odd , Fagerlund Markku , Bergmark Lars , Boquist Lennart
Published: April 2003

Neurilemmomas of the tongue have only been sporadically reported in the literature. Vague symptoms and limited knowledge of this kind of tumor may result in long delays before diagnosis and treatment. The rarity of the lesion in this area is the main reason why we report this case of neurilemmoma. After observation of a mass in the tongue, magnetic resonance imaging showed a large tumor with central necrosis localized to the base of the tongue. Needle electromyography disclosed no nerve lesion. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was negative, whereas biopsy revealed a neurilemmoma. The tumor was surgically removed, and histopathology, including immunohistochemistry, of the resected specimen disclosed the typical neurilemmoma. The postoperative course was uneventful.
Outer Hair Cells Isolated from the Organ of Corti Exposed to Increased Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Conradi P. , Ulfendahl M.
Published: April 2003

A model using outer hair cells isolated from the guinea pig organ of Corti was used to study the effects of changes in hydrostatic pressure. Outer hair cells were placed in a closed chamber and the pressure was raised to levels corresponding to pressures measured inside the cochlea or higher. No changes in cell shape could be detected using either videomicroscopy or confocal microscopy. No clear changes were observed using a potentiometric vital dye.
Einfluss von topischem Glukokortikosteroid (Budesonid) auf die Zilienschlagfrequenz der Nasenschleimhaut bei Patienten mit chronischer Sinusitis
Authors: Hofer E. , Appenroth E. , Thumfart W. , Stephan K. , Gunkel A. , Hussl B. , Hessenberger G. , Abdel-Hak B. , Schrott-Fischer A.
Published: April 2003

Fragestellung: In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde untersucht, welchen Einfluss eine mehrwöchige Therapie mit Budesonidspray (Rhinocortol®-Spray) auf die mittlere Zilienschlagfrequenz und den rhinoskopischen Befund hat. Patienten und Methoden: Die Zilienschlagfrequenz wurde photometrisch bei Patienten mit chronischer Sinusitis an von der Nasenschleimhaut entnommenen Biopsien vor und nach Therapie bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Es resultierte keine signifikante Zilienschlagfrequenzänderung. Der Rangsummentest nach Wilcoxon ergab einen p-Wert von 0,856. Der rhinoskopische Befund besserte sich nach lokaler Kortikosteroidtherapie bei 9 Patienten (57%), während er bei 6 Patienten (37%) unverändert blieb. Zilienschlagfrequenz und rhinoskopischer Befund korrelierten nicht (rs = 0,06). Schlussfolgerungen: Die vorliegende Untersuchung deutet darauf hin, dass Rhinocortolspray nicht schädigend auf das Flimmerepithel wirkt und dass das Präparat zur Therapie der chronischen Sinusitis geeignet ist.
Otitis media in Children: A Primer for Clinical Decision Making
Authors: Grenier Bernard
Published: April 2003

There is a gap between medical and economic weight of acute otitis media and the imprecise knowledge and irrational attitude for diagnosis and treatment. The wide variations of prescribers need to be analyzed. Precise definitions are proposed for acute otitis media and endpoints for outcomes being estimated. An empiric antibiotic treatment gives a greater cure rate than a conservative attitude with antipyretic and analgesic drugs. The incremental efficacy expected from more extended spectrum antibacterials is not clinically significant.
Der Einfluss von Glukokortikoiden bei der Therapie des Hörsturzes
Authors: Alexiou Ch. , Arnold W. , Fauser C. , Gloddek B. , Fuhrmann S. , Lamm K.
Published: April 2003

In der Therapie des Hörsturzes werden neben mikrozirkulationsfördernden Infusionen auch Glukokortikoide eingesetzt. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist, die Wirksamkeit von Glukokortikoiden bei der Therapie des Hörsturzes zu überprüfen. Hierzu wurden retrospektiv die prä- und posttherapeutischen Tonschwellenaudiogramme von 603 Patienten mit Hörsturz ausgewertet. 301 Patienten erhielten eine rheologische Therapie ohne Glukokortikoide, 302 Patienten eine mikrozirkulationsfördernde Therapie mit Glukokortikoiden. Die Patienten mit Hörsturz im Tieffrequenz- bzw. mediocochleären Frequenzbereich, welche mit Glukokortikoiden behandelt wurden, zeigten ein signifikant besseres Therapieergebnis im Vergleich zur Patientengruppe, welche keine Glukokortikoide erhielt. Bei Patienten mit Hörsturz im Hochfrequenzbereich konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied in den beiden Patientengruppen gefunden werden.
Mechanismen der Wachstumsregulation bei Karzinomen – ein Überblick
Authors: Ganzer U. , Haas I. , Bier H. , Koldovsky P.
Published: April 2003

Die stagnierenden Heilungsraten für Karzinome der Kopf-Hals-Region lassen sich möglicherweise durch Beeinflussung der Wachstumsregulation des Tumorgewebes verbessern, indem beispielsweise wachstumsstimulierende Einflüsse gehemmt oder vice versa wachstumshemmende Faktoren verstärkt werden. Voraussetzung für ein gerichtetes Eingreifen in derartige biologische Systeme ist die Kenntnis nicht nur der an ihr beteiligten Einzelkomponenten, sondern auch der Interaktionen innerhalb des Systems. Dabei sind einerseits die wechselseitigen Beziehungen zwischen den Tumorzellen selbst, andererseits aber auch die Interaktionen zwischen ihnen und dem Stroma zu berücksichtigen. Wir sind deshalb der Frage nachgegangen, welchen Einfluss Fibroblasten und eventuell auch Tumorzellen selbst auf die Proliferation von Plattenepithelkarzinom-Zellen ausüben. Unsere Ergebnisse werden unter Berücksichtigung des einschlägigen Schrifttums im Sinne einer Übersicht zusammenfassend dargestellt. Es wird gezeigt, dass in unterschiedlichen Experimentalsystemen sowohl Fibroblasten als auch Tumorzellen das Wachstum von Tumorzellen offensichtlich stimulieren wie auch behindern können. Fördernde und hemmende Aktivitäten können gleichzeitig von einundderselben Zellpopulation ausgehen, und es ist eine Frage der Zielzelle, ihrer Mikroumgebung und des Kultivationsmodells, welcher Einfluss überwiegt. Tumorwachstum ist demnach ein Wechselspiel gegenseitiger Beeinflussungen der daran beteiligten Zellen, wobei nicht nur der Fibroblast wachstumsfördernd oder -hemmend auf die Tumorzelle einwirkt, sondern auch die malignen Zellen selbst sich sowohl in ihrem Verhalten gegenseitig als auch das benachbarte Stroma beeinflussen.
Sudden Deafness
Authors: Kanzaki Jin
Published: April 2003

In this article the author reviews some of the work done by the Research Group on Sudden Deafness of the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare for the past 26 years. This includes diagnostic criteria, the differential diagnosis, the evaluation of hearing recovery and the efficacy of the treatment.
Management of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Mosnier I. , Bouccara D. , Sterkers O.
Published: April 2003

The cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) remains unknown, even though studies have evidenced two main hypotheses: a latent virus infection due to herpesvirus and a local decrease in cochlear blood flow caused by vasospasm and/or hyperviscosity. Clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests should always be performed, to rule out an acoustic neuroma, revealed in 5–26% of cases by a sudden deafness. The two main major prognostic factors are the severity of hearing loss and the time from onset to treatment, suggesting that two groups of patients are susceptible to benefit from therapy: patients with a hearing loss of less than 40 dB, managed within 2 months from the onset, and patients with a hearing loss of more than 40 dB, treated within 1 month after the onset of deafness. Steroids appear to be the only treatment available with a significant beneficial effect on SHL.
Contribution of Pars flaccida Volume Displacement to Middle Ear Pressure Regulation
Authors: Dirckx J.J.J. , Decraemer W.F.
Published: April 2003

The pars flaccida easily bends under small static pressures, so its volume displacement may be important to middle ear pressure regulation. In this paper we present a quantitative in vitro study of pars flaccida volume displacement as a function of middle ear pressure in Mongolian gerbil ears. The major part of the maximal obtainable volume displacement is reached in a very small pressure range of less than 40 daPa. Maximal pars flaccida volume displacement is only 0.2% of middle ear volume, so the membrane’s contribution to middle ear pressure regulation is limited to very small pressure changes.
Follow-Up of a Cohort of Tinnitus Patients Attending a Medical-Psychological Joint Consultation1
Authors: Perrin Eliane , Degive Colette , Kos Izabel , Archinard Marc
Published: April 2003

Objective: Assessment of a joint medical-psychological consultation (JMPC) available to patients suffering from tinnitus. Main criteria for assessment: improvement of patients’ quality of life, stopping their quest for medical attention, presentation and assessment of this consultation. Material and Methods: Follow-up of patients counseled at the Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Polyclinic between 1993 and 1996. Patients who had consulted for the first time were compared to those who had been referred by other specialists or their family doctors because of tinnitus. Patients who suffered solely from tinnitus were compared to patients with multi- ple somatic and/or psychological complaints. Present and retrospec- tive assessment. Questionnaires were delivered over the phone. Data were processed by computer (SPSS, version 6.1). Results: Rate of response: 74%. Seventy-one percent of patients had not consulted further after the JMPC: for 83% of the patients, the JMPC had been their first consultation, while 63% of the patients had either been referred by an ENT specialist or had already consulted one or more ENT specialists. For 22% of patients, the sole complaint was tinnitus, while 78% mentioned other somatic and/or psychological complaints. Since the consultation, 19% feel better, 69% have noticed no change and 12% feel worse; 56% were satisfied, 26% found the consultation no different from traditional ENT consultations, and 13% were dissatisfied. Conclusions: This type of consultation seems particularly suited to this patient population, of whom the majority also suffer from other somatic and/or psychological disorders. The majority of patients (71%) have not consulted elsewhere for tinnitus since this consultation; so the study was successful in meeting this objective.
Progression du contrôle postural lors d’une épreuve impulsionnelle en posturographie multisegment
Authors: van Nechel Ch. , Toupet Michel , Bodson Isabelle , Kouame Eléonore
Published: April 2003

Le contrôle postural est une fonction dépendante de nombreuses variables physiques et psychologiques. Pour réduire la variabilité interindividuelle, nous avons étudié la progression des réponses lorsqu’une stimulation déséquilibrante est répétée trois fois chez le même sujet, les yeux ouverts puis les yeux fermés. Une bascule de 6° du support de sustentation induit un mouvement de rétropulsion qui est enregistré par un système de posturographie multisegment à capteurs électromagnétiques (Statitest-Mumedia). Cette rétropulsion est freinée par le développement d’une réponse posturale qui est quantifiée par l’analyse de son vecteur d’accélération orienté vers l’avant. Cette accélération survient initialement 200 ms après la bascule du support. Les moyennes des latences augmentent de 50 ms entre la première et la sixième stimulation tandis que l’accélération diminue d’environ 25%. Un indice quantifie cette progression vers une meilleure gestion de la réponse posturale. La fermeture des yeux interrompt temporairement cette évolution. Malgré des latences initiales trop élevées, cette progression est également présente chez 2 patients représentatifs des anomalies posturales rencontrées dans les syndromes cérébelleux et extrapyramidaux. L’augmentation progressive de l’accélération distingue clairement un patient souffrant de vertiges phobiques.
Contemporary Surgical Approaches to Upper Airway Reconstruction in Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Troell Robert J.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To assess the efficacy of surgical approaches for upper airway reconstruction in simple snoring and sleep-disordered breathing, using laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioglossus advancement, hyoid myotomy, and maxillomandibular osteotomy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of consecutively surgically treated patients with simple snoring or sleep-disordered breathing was performed. Twenty-two patients underwent treatment by LAUP, 23 by UPPP, and 12 by a phased surgical approach that included phase I surgery (UPP, genioglossus advancement, and hyoid myotomy) as the initial procedure and, if residual airway obstruction persisted, phase II surgery (maxillomandibular osteotomy). Results: The main outcome measures included improvement of excessive daytime sleepiness and improvement in objective sleep parameters: respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT). For the patients undergoing phased airway reconstruction, the mean preoperative data included a RDI of 45.6, a LSAT of 80.9%, and an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 11.6. The responders of phase I surgery (7/11) revealed a change in the mean RDI from preoperatively to postoperatively of 32.0 to 3.6, LSAT of 82.6 to 91%, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 9.3 to 6.8. The nonresponder group (4/11) revealed a change in the mean RDI of 69.3 to 55.6, LSAT of 78 to 77%, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 14.0 to 7.7. Both patients undergoing phase II surgery were successfully treated. LAUP resolved snoring in 80.1% and UPPP in 90.9%. Conclusion: UPPP and LAUP are moderately effective procedures for resolving snoring. Phase I upper airway reconstruction using UPPP, genioglossus advancement, and hyoid suspension and phase II maxillomandibular advancement surgery offer a high surgical success rate in a disease that may need a stepwise approach to its management.
Heme Oxygenase Inhibitors Transiently Increase Serum Ferritin Concentrations without Altering Other Acute-Phase Reactants in Man
Authors: Berglund Lars , Galbraith Richard A. , Emtestam Lennart , Drummond George S. , Angelin Bo , Kappas Attallah
Published: April 2003

Sn protoporphyrin (SnPP) and Sn mesoporphyrin (SnMP), potent inhibitors of heme oxygenase (HO), significantly suppress bilirubin production, lower serum and biliary bilirubin levels and increase biliary heme output in animals and man. In this study, 20 healthy volunteers, 7 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and 4 patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis were treated with SnPP and 4 healthy volunteers with SnMP. In all cases, serum ferritin levels increased substantially but transiently after administration of these HO inhibitors. Values returned to baseline within a few days. Infusion of hematin in 4 healthy volunteers did not significantly affect ferritin levels. No increases occurred in 7 other acute-phase reactants. The observation that these HO inhibitors transiently increase serum ferritin levels implies a link between ferritin, iron metabolism and HO activity which may be usefully explored in disorders of iron metabolism.
A Novel 5-HT2 Antagonist, Sarpogrelate Hydrochloride, Shows Inhibitory Effects on Both Contraction and Relaxation Mediated by 5-HT Receptor Subtypes in Porcine Coronary Arteries
Authors: Gong Haibin , Nakamura Takashi , Hattori Kaoru , Ohnuki Toshio , Rashid Mamunur , Nakazawa Mikio , Watanabe Kenichi , Nagatomo Takafumi
Published: April 2003

In isolated porcine coronary arteries, concentrations of 5-HT (10–8 to 3 × 10–5 mol/l), α-methylserotonin (α-Me-5-HT, 10–8 to 3 × 10–5 mol/l) and ergonovine (10–9 to 3 × 10–4 mol/l) produced contraction, whereas high concentrations (10–5 to 10–4 mol/l) of these drugs produced relaxation. Both sarpogrelate and ketanserin produced rightward shifts of contraction concentration-response curves induced by 5-HT and α-Me-5-HT at the concentration from 10–9 to 3 × 10–5 mol/l, and only sarpogrelate inhibited the relaxation at high concentrations of 5-HT and displayed 155% of maximal contraction at 10–4 mol/l 5-HT. On the other hand, sarpogrelate and ketanserin did not show any inhibitory effects on the relaxation induced by high concentrations of ergonovine. These results suggested that sarpogrelate and ketanserin show different inhibitory effects on the relaxation induced by high concentrations of 5-HT, indicating that these two drugs may have different affinities to 5-HT receptor subtypes that may be involved in relaxation.
Non-Sibilant Fricatives in English: Spectral Information above 10 kHz
Authors: Tabain Marija
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study is to explore the contribution of higher frequencies to fricative consonant classification in Australian English. The spectral range above 10 kHz is analysed in an attempt to provide better classifications of the dental and the labiodental fricatives. A comparison is made between real-word data and data from a controlled-word context. Although results for the controlled-word context suggest that spectral information above 10 kHz may be of use in classifying [f] correctly, these results are not repeated for the real-word data. Moreover, classification of [f] and [q] using only the information above 10 kHz yields quite poor results. It is also shown that the results for the voiced dental and labiodental fricatives are not as promising as those for their voiceless counterparts.
Perceiving Final Voiceless Stops without Release: Effects of Preceding Monophthongs versus Nonmonophthongs
Authors: Lisker Leigh
Published: April 2003

Prepausal postvocalic stops in English are reported to occur both with and without audible release bursts, more or less randomly, and this difference is said to be without distinctive function. However, there is evidence that an English final stop, absent its release, may be of reduced intelligibility, particularly as to its place of articulation. Without audible release a final stop’s place is conveyed mainly, perhaps entirely, by frequency shifts in the vowel formants. Among the vowels of English some are diphthongal, a property also signaled by formant shifts. The question arises: Is the intelligibility of an unreleased stop significantly affected by the phonetic nature of the vowel? Perceptual testing of appropriately chosen nonsense monosyllables ending in [p⌍ t⌍ k⌍] indicates that these stops are generally somewhat less intelligible after diphthongs. However, not all three stops are affected equally, [k⌍] perception being especially reduced in this context.
The Phonetic Potential of Nonhuman Vocal Tracts: Comparative Cineradiographic Observations of Vocalizing Animals
Authors: Tecumseh Fitch W.
Published: April 2003

For more than a century it has been noted that the adult human vocal tract differs from that of other mammals, in that the resting position of the larynx is much lower in humans. While animals habitually breathe with the larynx inserted into the nasal cavity, adult humans are unable to do this. This anatomical difference has been cited as an important factor limiting the vocal potential of nonhuman animals, because the low larynx of humans allows a wider range of vocal tract shapes and thus formant patterns than is available to other species. However, it is not clear that the static anatomy of dead animals provides an accurate guide to the phonetic potential of the living animal’s vocal tract. Here I present X-ray video observations of four mammal species (dogs Canis familiaris, goats Capra hircus, pigs Sus scrofa and cotton-top tamarins Sagunius oedipus). In all four species, the larynx was lowered from the nasopharynx, and the velum was closed, during loud calls. In dogs this temporary lowering was particularly pronounced. Although preliminary, these results suggest that the nonhuman vocal tract is more flexible than previously supposed, and that static postmortem anatomy provides an incomplete guide to the phonetic potential of nonhuman animals. The implications of these findings for theories of speech evolution are discussed.
Speech to Infants as Hyperspeech: Knowledge-Driven Processes in Early Word Recognition
Authors: Fernald Anne
Published: April 2003

The intelligibility of a word in continuous speech depends on the clarity of the word and on linguistic and nonlinguistic contextual information available to the listener. Despite limited knowledge of language and the world, infants in the first 2 years are already beginning to make use of contextual information in processing speech. Adults interacting with infants tend to modify their speech in ways that serve to maximize predictability for the immature listener by highlighting focussed words and using frequent repetition and formulaic utterances. Infant-directed speech is viewed as a form of ‘hyperspeech’ which facilities comprehension, not by modifying phonetic properties of individual words but rather by providing contextual support on perceptual levels accessible to infants even in the earliest stages of language learning.
Prognostic Factors in Childhood Intracranial Ependymomas: The Role of Age and Tumor Location
Authors: Sala Francesco , Talacchi Andrea , Mazza Carlo , Prisco Roberto , Ghimenton Claudio , Bricolo Albino
Published: April 2003

Despite several clinical reports on intracranial ependymomas in children, the factors which affect prognosis, and the possibility that certain combinations of factors might limit survival, are still a matter of debate. Between 1976 and 1996 we operated on 35 children with intracranial ependymomas. Postoperative irradiation was given to 27 patients, with associated chemotherapy in 6 cases. Mean follow-up was 62 months. In 12 patients a 5-year follow-up was possible. In October 1996, 18 patients (51.4%) were still alive, the longest disease-free follow-up being 20 years, and the shortest 8 months. We analyzed the prognostic relevance of eight factors. For each factor, different subgroups were distinguished and compared as follows: age at diagnosis (<4 vs. ≥4 years), sex, tumor location (supratentorial vs. infratentorial), tumor size (<4 vs. 4–7 vs. >7 cm), surgical removal (total vs. subtotal), histology (low-grade vs. anaplastic), morphology (solid vs. cystic), adjuvant therapies (treatment vs. no treatment). Two-way contingency tables were made to identify associations between variables. The only significant association was between age and tumor location (p = 0.022): in children under 4, tumors were almost invariably located in the posterior fossa (9 out of 10 cases) with a clear preference for the lateral recess (8 cases). Other correlations were not significant. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared to assess the prognostic relevance of each factor. Survival was significantly lower for children under 4, for those with posterior fossa tumors, and for patients with residual tumor (p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis compared variables which significantly affected survival, revealing that age is the most important factor affecting prognosis (p < 0.05), while tumor location and surgical removal do not add any significance to the effect of age on survival. We conclude that age has the strongest prognostic relevance in childhood intracranial ependymomas, while the effect of tumor location on survival may be related to the high incidence of lateral recess ependymomas in younger children.
Prognostic Factors in Infants and Very Young Children with Intracranial Ependymomas
Authors: Duffner Patricia K. , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Sanford Robert A. , Horowitz Marc E. , Burger Peter C. , Cohen Michael E. , Friedman Henry S. , Kun Larry E.
Published: April 2003

The Pediatric Oncology Group (1986–1990) conducted a study in which 48 children <3 years of age with intracranial ependymomas were treated with prolonged postoperative chemotherapy (CT) and delayed RT. Thirty-one children, 0–23 months of age at diagnosis (Gp A) received 2 years of CT followed by RT; while 17 children, 24–36 months of age at diagnosis (Gp B) received CT for 1 year followed by radiation. One-year survivals were 87% (Gp A) and 94% (Gp B) and 2-year survivals were 67% (Gp A) and 82% (Gp B). In subsequent years a significant divergence in survivals according to age has been noted (p = 0.04). Five-year survivals were 25.7% (Gp A) vs. 63.3% (Gp B). The curves began to diverge 1 year following diagnosis. Other than age, the only significant prognostic factor was degree of surgical resection: 5-year survivals were 66% (total resection) vs. 25% (subtotal resection). Neither the presence of metastases, degree of anaplasia nor the degree of surgical resection varied significantly according to age at diagnosis. The most likely reason for the difference in survivals between the two age groups relates to the timing of radiation following CT, i.e., 1-year delay in children 24–36 months of age compared to a 2-year delay in children 0–23 months of age. An alternative but less likely hypothesis is that ependymomas in the younger children have a more aggressive biology. In contrast, survivals in the 24- to 36-month group are much better than previous reports in the literature suggesting that prolonged postoperative CT may allow both a delay in CRT as well as provide improved survivals. Based on these results, future treatment trials should emphasize maximal surgical resection and a delay in radiation of no more than 1 year.
Pathogenesis of Arachnoid Cyst: Congenital or Traumatic?
Authors: Choi Joong-Uhn , Kim Dong-Seok
Published: April 2003

For clarifying the pathophysiology of arachnoid cysts and restablishing therapeutic criteria for such cases, we reviewed a series of 90 cases with arachnoid cysts focusing on the traumatic origin. Arachnoid cysts of congenital origin have been well known. But we suspected that 14 out of 90 patients (15.6%) with arachnoid cyst were closely related to head trauma. Seven of them suffered from head traumas in infancy. The episodes of head trauma included falling down in 4 patients, slipping down in 2 patients, and a motor vehicle accident in 1 patient. Traumatic arachnoid cysts had a latent period from head trauma to initial clinical manifestation. The mean latent period was 2.2 years, ranging from 10 months to 6.2 years. Six of 7 arachnoid cysts were located in the suprasellar area and 1 at the posterior fossa. An other 7 patients had a history of perinatal trauma. We postulate that head trauma in infancy may contribute to the pathogenesis of arachnoid cyst in some cases.